Tourism is a major source of income for many EU countries, but it is also increasingly a source of grievance for local communities as residents complain of housing shortages and rising costs.
Spain, Italy, and France are the top three European countries where the backlash against mass tourism is the strongest, according to a new study by the digital entertainment platform JB.com.
Official figures may give an indication why: in the first four months of 2026, the number of tourists in Spain rose by 3.4%, and the country is expecting a rise of 7.1% in passenger numbers on incoming international flights this June compared to last year, according to the tourism ministry.
Italy and France are also expected to see a rise of 12% and 2.6% in June compared to the same period in 2025, according to a press note released by the Spanish tourism ministry.
In contrast, Cyprus and Albania are the most welcoming to visitors in Europe, according to JB.com, with no documented anti-tourism protests and minimal regulatory pressure on travellers.
