Spain to investigate ‘anti-tourism’ among locals after wave of protests: Major survey will reveal how many people are REALLY critical of the industry

THE SPANISH government is set to conduct a public consultation on tourism, which has become a huge point of contention for the country. 

It will be carried out by Turespaña, Spain’s public tourism agency. 

The survey will focus on the social sustainability of tourism, including overcrowding and the negative impact of tourism growth. 

Due to be carried out this year, the government body aims to gather 26,000 local opinions using an online questionnaire. 

It will be divided into two 13,000 person waves and focus on 30 municipalities most affected by tourism, including Mallorca. 

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Deputy Director of Knowledge and Tourism Studies at Turespaña, Julio Lopez Astor, said: “Those that are against tourism make a lot of noise, but they aren’t necessarily the majority. 

“We’re looking for data to see if that’s true and find out the factors influencing this perception.

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It’s essential that we understand this to manage Spain as a tourist destination. It could be that the outcome goes against tourism-phobia.” 

The consultation will take place in August, peak tourist time, and November, during the low season. 

It comes after waves of anti-tourism action across the country, including peaceful protests, graffiti, vandalism and posters designed to dissuade tourists from going to popular scenic areas.

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