Latest news with #ZoeAdjey
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
Anti-tourism protesters have an important message — and it's not for tourists
Protesters in holiday hotspots across southern Europe have swarmed the streets to condemn overtourism in an unprecedented show of unity. Thousands attended marches in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, while events also took place in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, as well as Venice and Genoa, in northwest Italy. The Southern Europe Against Touristification coalition, comprised of activists from across the continent, wants to highlight the impact of mass tourism and how it is driving residents from their hometowns. But demonstrators and tourism experts agree that holidaymakers aren't the problem. The real enemy, they say, are the people profiting from it. As one organiser in the Basque city of San Sebastián says, 'people who go on vacation to one place or another are not our enemies…our enemies are those who speculate on housing, who exploit workers and those who are profiting handsomely from the touristification of our cities.' Protesters in dozens of locations have echoed this message. And Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, tells Metro that a coordinated response has been a long time coming. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. 'This is very unusual, the tourism and hospitality industry is not the most unified. But it's good, because as they are saying, the protests have never been about tourists,' she says. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'They're about businesses, and what they are doing with the money they get from tourists. Where is that profit going? It's clearly not going back into the local areas.' As policy analysts have long argued, Zoe says Europe's growing tourism problem is a housing and affordability crisis framed through a false lens. 'We've now got a situation where workers can't afford to live within any sort of rational distance to their job,' she says. 'The person behind the bar needs somewhere to live – if short-term rentals are everywhere, pricing people out, well then there's not going to be a bar. It's a vicious circle.' Zoe, who is from Portrush in Antrim, Northern Ireland, says she knows of people who will travel almost two hours for casual bar shifts when the town hosts the 2025 Open next month. 'They're going to be spending what they earn to get there and back. Something has got to change,' she says. Asked what can be done to fix the problem, Zoe says governments need to get serious about high-quality subsidised housing. 'You need to be able to offer staff somewhere to live, and somewhere that's decent,' she says. 'I'd like to see a policy in every bar and cafe that involves employing people who live within a five-mile radius. But if you tried to do that right now, you'd find hardly anyone living there. 'Ultimately, it needs to be about employing local, not just buying local.' Graffiti saying 'tourists go home' has become an increasingly common sight across the Mediterranean. Tensions around tourism exploded last summer, when tens of thousands took to the streets of Spanish hotspots and 'occupied' beaches on the popular holiday island of Mallorca. International travel spending in Europe is expected to rise by 11% to £617 billion this year, with Spain and France among the countries set to receive record numbers of tourists. Barcelona, which depends on tourism for 15% of its GDP, announced last year it would shut all short-term lets by 2028. Jaime Rodriguez de Santiago, head of vacation rental platform Airbnb for Iberia, said earlier this week that restrictions scapegoated short-lets, which he said can help redistribute visitor flows to less crowded parts of a city. Earlier today, tourist protesters surrounded the Generator Hotel in Barcelona and targeted holidaymakers with water pistols. More Trending Locals in the Catalan capital also used flares after congregating with placards claiming tourism was pricing them out of housing and robbing them of their futures. Staff at the hotel were forced to intervene and were seen shouting at the protesters to move away. Elsewhere in Barcelona, police stepped in to stop protesters reaching the city's famous Sagrada Familia and avoid clashes between demonstrators and tourists visiting the Gaudi masterpiece. Shouts of 'tourists go home' and 'one more tourist, one less local' could be heard as activists marched through the streets. MORE: All 9 countries on the UK Foreign Office 'no go' travel list MORE: I walked Spain's lesser-known camino — it surprised me in the best way MORE: Man arrested after Scottish gangsters shot dead in Spanish bar
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Impressive 425-miles UK train line with 11 stops branded 'Eurostar of Scotland'
Brits will soon be able to hop on board and travel more than 400 miles from London to the historic city of Stirling, thanks to a new railway expansion slated to launch in 2026 A huge railway expansion touted as the 'Eurostar of Scotland' is slated to launch next year - spanning a whopping 425 miles from London. Rail operator Lumo recently announced it had successfully secured five Class 222 six-car trains to link London Euston directly to Stirling - a historic city in central Scotland. The new route, which aims to be up and running as early as Spring 2026, will also stop at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert. Lumo says the move will 'enhance travel choice and connectivity' for passengers along the central belt of Scotland, and that its new route will run five times a day each way. This particular route is already shared by Avanti West Coast, LNER and TransPennine Express - but Lumo will reportedly be the first provider not subsidised by the government. Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, told the Metro that this will likely make tickets must 'cheaper'. "The service enhancement will significantly improve the passenger experience, especially compared to air travel," she added. "Air travel requires an initial transit to one of London's airports, followed by a two-hour wait for the flight, then a two-hour flight time. In contrast, rail travel involves just a quick journey to Euston station, followed by a five-hour train journey with WiFi, refreshments, and enhanced onboard services." At the time of writing, direct trains from London to Stirling cost as much as £206.80 for an 'Anytime Single' ticket. However, they can be bought for as little as £81.80 if you're flexible with dates. Purchasing a railcard can also help lower the cost of train fares. However, these tend to only offer discounts on Off-Peak times, weekends, and bank holidays - which doesn't help out commuters reliant on the network. In an online statement, Martijn Gilbert of Lumo said: "Today's announcement underscores Lumo's commitment to growing Scotland's rail network, providing passengers with more affordable, fast, and convenient travel options. Our new service between Stirling and London has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for communities along the route, and we're proud to deliver this direct rail connectivity to towns previously overlooked by traditional rail services." Sue Webber MSP, a Conservative Transport spokesperson, also hailed the announcement - arguing it will bring a staggering £740m in economic benefits by 2032. "Crucially, this is being delivered not by government mandate, but through private sector innovation and open access investment," she added. "That's why I believe this model is one we should be championing. Lumo is not replacing existing services – it's adding capacity, increasing choice, and growing the market for everyone." *Prices based on LNER listings for Tuesday, July 1.
Metro
03-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
‘Eurostar of Scotland' launches new London service with 11 stops
A new direct train from London to Scotland is set to launch in the spring of 2026. Operated by Lumo, the service will stop at 11 stations, with five daily trains running each way. Departing from London Euston, the train will journey through central Scotland, arriving in Stirling. It will be the first time three of the destinations – Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert – have had a direct service to the capital. While Avanti West Coast, LNER and TransPennine Express already operate on this line, Lumo will be the only 'open-access' service — meaning it's not subsidised by the government. And that means competitive prices and better service, Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London tells Metro. According to Zoe, tickets will 'certainly be cheaper'. This will come as good news to seasoned travellers. An advanced single ticket from Euston to Stirling with LNER currently costs a hefty £95.50. And, with new competition, the overall travelling experience is likely to be improved. 'The service enhancement will significantly improve the passenger experience, especially compared to air travel,' says Zoe. 'Air travel requires an initial transit to one of London's airports, followed by a two-hour wait for the flight, then a two-hour flight time. 'In contrast, rail travel involves just a quick journey to Euston station, followed by a five-hour train journey with WiFi, refreshments, and enhanced onboard services. London Euston Milton Keynes Nuneaton Crewe Preston Carlisle Lockerbie Motherwell Whifflet Greenfaulds Larbert Stirling 'Passengers will get city center to city center connectivity, eliminating lengthy airport transfers and security procedures. 'It's like choosing between Eurostar and flying when traveling to Paris or Brussels,' she adds. 'The train offers greater convenience despite the longer journey time.' More Trending Zoe says travellers will also get more choice. 'The increased frequency of services will also provide greater scheduling flexibility and reduced waiting times,' she concludes. Plus, the new train route could see some of the stops become tourist destinations. 'Visitors from London will find it easier easier access to Scotland's historic sites and natural landscapes around Stirling, while Scottish tourists gain improved access to London's attractions,' says Zoe. Competition for the Eurostar has been hotting up. Richard Branson's Virgin Group announced said there are 'no more major hurdles to overcome' in its £700million rail project to operate cross-channel trains. Meanwhile Italy's national state-owned railway company, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group)said it will launch a new high-speed rail service between London and Paris by 2029. A popular European train line is operating again, after being closed since August 2023. The direct route takes passengers from Paris Gare de Lyon station in France all the way to Milan in Italy (via Turin), with tickets starting from as little as £25.33 each way (just under €30) if you book in advance, according to A brand-new sleeper train is set to connect five European countries in one route for the first time, spanning an impressive 745 miles. Starting in the Polish capital of Warsaw, the new link will run all the way to the Croatian city of Rijeka, known for its glistening beaches, waterfalls, and 13th-century castle. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: First picture of 'loving' teenager who died after motorbike plunged into canal MORE: The drug behind double death in London that's '500 times more powerful than heroin' MORE: Eurostar launches sale with 20% off to Paris, Amsterdam and more — here's how to get tickets
Dublin Live
21-05-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Irish tourists to be 'severely' affected by Spain's crackdown on Airbnb
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Irish tourists are set to be 'severely' affected by Spain's crackdown on Airbnb, as the country demands the removal of over 65,000 holiday listings from its platform. On Monday, May 19, it was announced that approximately 65,935 Airbnb properties will be delisted for violating strict regulation rules such as not including their licence number, failing to specify whether the owner was an individual or a company, or because their listed numbers did not match official records. While the stringent clampdown may be welcomed by locals - who argue the surge in short-term rentals is exacerbating the country's housing crisis - it could potentially wreak havoc for thousands of Irish holidaymakers. Travel expert Zoe Adjey warns the move could be a massive blow for Irish tourists, possibly leading to less accommodation and higher prices. "The impact will be most severe in tourist hotspots like Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, and Malaga, where enforcement is strictest," said Zoe, a senior lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality at UEL. "Many unlicensed properties will vanish from platforms, while remaining listings will face stricter regulations and registration requirements. Tourists will need to adapt to this new, more regulated market." If you've already booked an Airbnb in Spain for this year, it's crucial to act swiftly. Zoe advises getting in touch with your host 'immediately' to verify their compliance status and then carry out the following checks: Review your cancellation policy and know your refund rights. Book alternative accommodation early if you're uncertain. Try less popular areas if you're struggling to find accommodation in your original destination. Request to see the property's official registration or license number. Consider travel insurance for future trips that cover accommodation cancellations. Keep an eye on the Airbnb app and your phone as some changes could happen very fast. The sudden news could also cause a surge in hotel prices, particularly during peak seasons like the summer holidays. "However, Spain relies heavily on tourism revenue and competes with other Mediterranean destinations, which may help moderate extreme price increases," Zoe clarified. "The effect will vary by location, with popular coastal areas and major cities seeing the most significant price pressure." This decision comes just one month after Spain approved a harsh new law to control the rise of holiday rentals across the country. On April 3, an amendment to the Horizontal Property Act was passed, requiring locals who want to convert their home into an Airbnb to secure a 60 per cent majority vote from neighbouring property owners. Homeowners who are renting out their property without the 'necessary support' will now be asked to stop. If they ignore this warning, they could face legal action for 'unauthorised use'. However, these new rules - which are part of the Organic Law 1/2025 legislation - only apply to new tourist accommodations in residential buildings and complexes. This means if a flat is already being rented out to holidaymakers, they will not need to participate in the local referendum. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish tourists face holiday chaos as Spain drops enormous Airbnb bombshell
Irish tourists are set to be 'severely' affected by Spain's crackdown on Airbnb, as the country demands the removal of over 65,000 holiday listings from its platform. On Monday, May 19, it was announced that approximately 65,935 Airbnb properties will be delisted for violating strict regulation rules such as not including their licence number, failing to specify whether the owner was an individual or a company, or because their listed numbers did not match official records. While the stringent clampdown may be welcomed by locals - who argue the surge in short-term rentals is exacerbating the country's housing crisis - it could potentially wreak havoc for thousands of Irish holidaymakers. In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, travel expert Zoe Adjey warns the move could be a massive blow for Irish tourists, possibly leading to less accommodation and higher prices. "The impact will be most severe in tourist hotspots like Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, and Malaga, where enforcement is strictest," said Zoe, a senior lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality at UEL. "Many unlicensed properties will vanish from platforms, while remaining listings will face stricter regulations and registration requirements. Tourists will need to adapt to this new, more regulated market," reports the Mirror. If you've already booked an Airbnb in Spain for this year, it's crucial to act swiftly. Zoe advises getting in touch with your host 'immediately' to verify their compliance status and then carry out the following checks: The sudden news could also cause a surge in hotel prices, particularly during peak seasons like the summer holidays. "However, Spain relies heavily on tourism revenue and competes with other Mediterranean destinations, which may help moderate extreme price increases," Zoe clarified. "The effect will vary by location, with popular coastal areas and major cities seeing the most significant price pressure." This decision comes just one month after Spain approved a harsh new law to control the rise of holiday rentals across the country. On April 3, an amendment to the Horizontal Property Act was passed, requiring locals who want to convert their home into an Airbnb to secure a 60 per cent majority vote from neighbouring property owners. Homeowners who are renting out their property without the 'necessary support' will now be asked to stop. If they ignore this warning, they could face legal action for 'unauthorised use'. However, these new rules - which are part of the Organic Law 1/2025 legislation - only apply to new tourist accommodations in residential buildings and complexes. This means if a flat is already being rented out to holidaymakers, they will not need to participate in the local referendum.
