Protestors in Spain are becoming increasingly vocal about the impact of tourism in some areas and, in particular, short-term holiday lets that are forcing locals out of affordable housing. A leading travel expert says university rooms that would otherwise stand empty for the summer provide the solution.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - June 26th, 2025 - Local people in many areas of Spain are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact mass tourism is having on popular destinations such as Barcelona, Malaga and Granada. Tourism is vital to the Spanish economy, accounting for over 13% of its GDP last year. However, growing numbers of Spanish people are protesting the loss of local housing and the endless stream of giant cruise ships, whose passengers do little to support local businesses. Some protestors are even engaging in demonstrations and targeting tourists with water guns.

Johanna Jernberg, a leading tourism expert from Universityrooms.com, says: ‘Spain is the number one summer destination for Brits and over 18 million of us visited the country last year. However, users of Airbnb-style short-term holiday lets are finding themselves less welcome than they once were in some areas. That’s because local people claim too many homes, from village houses to city centre apartments, are being turned into summer holiday rentals.

‘However, a simple and inexpensive solution exists that is ideal for Brits who want to holiday in Spain on a budget. Spain has many excellent universities, often situated in the areas most popular with British tourists. Better still, most student rooms are actually standing empty during the long university vacation periods.

‘Staying in an inexpensive, well-situated university room this summer means visitors can save money and know they are not aggravating Spain’s housing crisis. Several areas at the heart of the current protests, including Barcelona, Malaga and Granada, are home to large universities that visitors from the UK can stay in throughout the peak summer season.

‘Visitors staying in these university rooms will be supporting local restaurants and food stores. This kind of ethical tourism seems to be a solution to many locals’ objections.

‘University rooms really do represent an inexpensive way to stay in Spain while not adding to its escalating housing crisis. You can find out more about staying at a Spanish university campus at https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/countries/ES

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