Locals in a renowned pilgrimage site are pushing back against the increasing presence of tourists. While some individuals in Barcelona are resorting to using plastic water guns to deter tourists, a neighborhood association in Santiago de Compostela has opted for a more friendly approach. They have developed a guide to etiquette for visitors to their town, known as the final stop of the world’s most famous Catholic pilgrimage.
The guide, available in multiple languages and distributed throughout the northwestern Spanish city, advises tourists to maintain low noise levels, adhere to traffic regulations, and use plastic protectors on hiking poles to prevent harm to the narrow cobblestone streets. Despite these efforts, large groups still dominate the streets with their singing, cyclists disregard traffic rules, and the clinking of hiking pole tips against the ground remains a common occurrence.
Social media platforms in Santiago are flooded with images showcasing the lack of respect exhibited by visitors. The overwhelming number of tourists has led to the displacement of local residents, transforming Santiago into another global destination where long-time inhabitants are growing increasingly frustrated with the impact of overtourism on their community.
Roberto Almuíña, president of the neighborhood association in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the old town, expressed concerns about the uncontrolled surge in tourism. The famous “Camino de Santiago,” also known as the Way of St. James, has seen a significant surge in popularity, partly fueled by the 2010 film “The Way” and, more recently, by social media and post-pandemic travel trends.
Last year, a record-breaking half a million people embarked on approved routes to the cathedral, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years. The influx of both pilgrims and regular tourists has led to a spike in rental prices, making it difficult for locals to find affordable housing.
To address the housing crisis, the city council has implemented measures to curb the rise in rental costs. Despite these efforts, finding housing in Santiago has become a daunting task for many residents, prompting some to consider moving away from their cherished neighborhoods.
The struggle for affordable housing is a widespread issue across Spain, with many attributing the housing shortage to tourists renting short-term accommodations. While some establishments adhere to regulations, there are instances where short-term rental properties flout the rules, impacting the availability of residential housing.
The dwindling permanent population in the historic center of Santiago reflects the challenges faced by long-time residents in maintaining their presence in the city. With more pilgrims expected to arrive in Santiago this year, the tension between residents and the tourism-driven economic model continues to escalate, prompting a growing number of locals to voice their opposition to the current situation.