Exarcheia was just one of the regions severely affected by Greece’s decade-long recession, which saw its economy shrink by almost a quarter.
“We are a lost generation. If we want to work, we have to leave the country. If we stay here, we will face poverty and even homelessness,” said the 25-year-old Athenian. I confessed.
The hoax highlighted growing anger against Airbnb as short-term rentals drive up prices in Athens and other popular Greek islands. This anger can also be seen on the walls covered in anti-Airbnb graffiti in Exarcheia and surrounding areas. “Enjoy your Airbnb, tourists. We have signed a contract with the future homeless Athenians,” one of them wrote. “Apartments for immigrants, not airbnb,” says another.
In 2021, an Activist X (formerly Twitter) account called Exarcheia Tourism #airbnburn also posted a video of a raid on an Airbnb apartment.
“If there were better laws regulating Airbnb, I don’t think people would be so frustrated,” one property owner, who did not want to be named for fear of retaliation, told the Telegraph.
“Greeks are generally a peaceful people and I doubt even the anarchists have any kind of feelings towards tourists, but Airbnb is forcing out locals who can’t afford to pay the rent and trying to stop this. Little or nothing has been done to do so.”
Barcelona
Written by Sally Davis
Barcelona in 2023 will see record numbers of tourists, rents soar, and lines on public transport only getting longer, so who can blame Barcelona residents for being more or less dissatisfied? You can not.
City Hall acknowledged there was a problem and introduced a range of measures, including an increase in the night tourism tax. Limit the number of tour groups. It has frozen hotel construction in the city center and tightened regulations for people who want to rent apartments on Airbnb. But it is at the street level that the backlash is most pronounced.
“Tourists, go home!” graffiti all over the old city screams. Located close to major tourist attractions, this hotel takes on more of a desperate vibe: “Your luxury travel, my daily misery.” The nature of slogans varies from barrio to barrio. Long famous as a cheerful anarchist district, Gràcia offers the following sights: cheers! “Tourists please go home, pickpockets are welcome.”
