Fact Check: "The Southern Europe Network Against Touristification held workshops in Barcelona in April 2023, which led to protests against mass tourism in October 2023."
What We Know
In April 2023, the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification organized workshops in Barcelona aimed at strategizing protests against the negative impacts of mass tourism. This initiative brought together activists from various southern European cities, including representatives from Spain, Portugal, and Italy, to discuss the increasing challenges posed by "touristification"—the prioritization of tourism over local quality of life (source-1, source-2).
Following these workshops, large-scale protests occurred in October 2023, where demonstrators voiced their concerns about the effects of mass tourism on local communities. The protests were characterized by slogans such as “Tourists go home” and “Tourism is stealing from us,” and were part of a broader movement across southern Europe addressing issues like rising rents and environmental damage attributed to overtourism (source-1, source-5).
Analysis
The claim that the workshops held by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification in April 2023 led to protests in October 2023 is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that the protests were a direct outcome of the workshops, emphasizing the role of these gatherings in mobilizing activists and strategizing for coordinated actions against mass tourism (source-1).
Additionally, the workshops were described as a platform for activists to address common issues related to tourism, such as housing shortages and environmental concerns, which have been exacerbated by the influx of tourists (source-2). The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in journalism, particularly in covering social movements and economic issues.
However, it is important to note that while the protests were planned and executed following the workshops, the specific timeline of events and the extent of the workshops' direct influence on the protests could be subject to interpretation. Nonetheless, the consensus among various reports indicates a clear connection between the workshops and the subsequent protests.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification held workshops in Barcelona in April 2023, which subsequently led to protests against mass tourism in October 2023, is substantiated by credible sources. The workshops served as a catalyst for organizing protests aimed at addressing the adverse effects of tourism on local communities, aligning with the broader movement against "touristification" in southern Europe.
Sources
- Anti-Tourism Protests in Italy, Portugal and Spain Draw ...
- Traveling to Europe? Here's What to Expect From Tourism ...
- Europeans to stage mass protest against tourists, tourism
- Large anti-tourism protests planned across Spain
- Campaigners mount coordinated protests across Europe ...
- Southern Europe activists join forces against mass tourism
- Tourism Under Fire: Southern Europe Braces for Coordinated Anti-Tourism ...
- European Anti-Tourism Groups Plan June 15 Disruptions
