The backlash against mass tourism in Europe is now impacting Portugal and Switzerland, as local residents express growing frustration with the influx of visitors.
In Sintra, Portugal, a town celebrated for its picturesque beauty and described by Lord Byron as a “glorious Eden,” locals are increasingly irritated by the severe congestion caused by tourism. Sintra, located in the Sintra Mountains, is home to less than 400,000 residents who are now grappling with significant traffic issues. The main attraction, Pena Palace, attracts millions of visitors annually, leading to long taxi queues and numerous instances of tourists driving incorrectly, damaging property, and contributing to general chaos. In response, a local action group is calling for “guerrilla action” to address the overcrowding, with some residents urging for a systematic review of tourism-related projects and developments in the area.
Meanwhile, in Switzerland, concerns are mounting over the impact of tourism on the environment. In Zermatt, near the iconic Matterhorn peak, tourists are reportedly trampling rare alpine plants, including the edelweiss and the pink Thlaspi rotundifolium, while attempting to capture the perfect photo. Local officials have responded by fencing off sensitive areas to protect these plants. Despite improvements, there are ongoing efforts to restore the damaged vegetation.
The situation in Switzerland reflects broader concerns about the environmental impact of tourism, which has also prompted measures in other European destinations. In Portugal, Porto has introduced a pilot scheme to regulate tuk-tuks and tourist buses, while Lisbon is increasing its tourist tax. Venice has implemented an entry fee for tourists, although the effectiveness of such measures remains debated.
In Spain, the anti-tourism sentiment has led to protests in Majorca and other regions. Locals have voiced their frustration over businesses catering exclusively to tourists, such as restaurants offering menus only in English. Some residents have organized protests by consuming food from local establishments and eating in public spaces as a form of resistance.
Overall, the growing discontent in popular tourist destinations across Europe highlights the challenges of balancing tourism with the needs and well-being of local communities and environments.
