Mass tourism has been generating protests in various parts of the world, as traditional neighborhoods turn into short destinations and residents are increasingly facing difficulties in maintaining their homes. The proliferation of platforms like Airbnb has accelerated this phenomenon, making housing more expensive and pushing local communities to the periphery, as in this country that has been an election destination for many years.
Mexico is the latest country to feel this pressure intensely. During the summer, the capital was the scene of major demonstrations, with clashes between residents and police. The target of criticism was mainly the mass arrival of foreign tourists and the explosion of housing for short leases, according to the British newspaper Daily Express.
According to estimates, cited by the same source, in the neighborhood of Condesa, one of the most sought after in Mexico City, one in five houses is already occupied by Airbnbs or properties aimed at tourism.
The constant arrival of US and European visitors has fueled gentrification, completely altering the social and economic profile of these zones.
The case of tulum and the tourist pressure
It is not just the capital that feels the effects. In Tulum, once an exclusive celebrity destination, now about two million tourists arrive now. This rapid growth brought economic benefits, but also a profound change in local experience, according to the previously mentioned source.
In the Yucatan Peninsula, also marked by tourism, the perception is that protests similar to those of the capital will hardly emerge. “Most of the tourist sites on Yucatan are very isolated, especially those who receive Americans, so they will not necessarily have direct effects on the lives of local residents,” said resident Carlos Rosado Van Der Gracht.
Requirements against gentrification
In the marches held in Mexico City, the protesters presented a clear requirement, according to: to lock the multiplication of temporary leases. Residents argue that limiting the number of Airbnbs is essential to contain the rise of income and recover access to housing.
Protests with episodes of violence
In August, one of the demonstrations in this country that is an election tourist destination ended with episodes of violence. Several cafes and stores aimed at tourists were attacked, with graffiti -covered bounds and walls. Among the protesters’ screams repeatedly heard “fura gringo!”, Spanish expression that means “foreigners away,” as well as posters with the phrase “return to your country.”
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