Protests confront tourism and aviation for Housing Action Days

Protests across at least 10 cities have highlighted the harms of ‘touristification’.

Particularly through its reliance on aviation, the tourism industry is driving displacement, deepening housing crises and fueling climate breakdown worldwide.

Demonstrations were seen in Barcelona, Palma and San Sebastián (Spain), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Lisbon (Portugal), Malolos (Philippines), Marseille and Paris (France), Mexico City (Mexico) and Vienna (Austria).

Worldwide action

From marches and performances to blockades and direct actions, communities resisted the transformation of neighbourhoods into ‘playgrounds for the rich’.

Across the world, long-term residents are being priced out. Urban and coastal areas are also reshaped for tourists and multinational companies.

International tourism relies heavily on air travel, one of the fastest-growing sources of carbon emissions. Backed by cheap flights and expanding air routes, this model privatises public land, drives up rents and undermines local economies, pushing communities into increasingly precarious conditions.

Protesters stressed that touristification and aviation are intertwined crises, driven by a system that prioritises profit over people and the planet.

World Cup of dispossession

In Mexico, protesters denounced the impacts of large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup. They called it the “World Cup of dispossession”, promoting local displacement, private interests and megaprojects instead of human rights, such as housing, water and dignified work.

In Barcelona, Palma, San Sebastián, Belfast and Vienna, demonstrators called for an end to the expansion of short-term tourist accommodation. This includes listings on platforms like AirBnB, which they argue drive up housing costs and accelerate gentrification.

In Marseille, protests highlighted the social and environmental impacts of overtourism.

In Malolos, fisherfolk and community members opposed the construction of the new Manila International Airport, which is driving displacement and the loss of livelihoods.

‘Fewer planes, more homes’ was a slogan seen in Paris and in Lisbon, where protesters formed a red line to oppose the conversion of a city-centre building into a hotel.

Drawing a red line

Inês Teles, spokesperson for the global network Stay Grounded, said:

We need to draw a red line. We must stop airport expansion, reduce air traffic, limit short-term tourist accommodation and make housing a right, not a commodity. We are united in the fight for affordable, accessible housing for all and against the forces that profit from our homes, displace people and destroy our planet. Our communities and the planet are not for sale.

These actions took place during the Housing Action Days (23–29 March), a global week of mobilisation with over 150 actions in 96 cities, demanding housing justice on a liveable planet.

Featured image via Stay Grounded