Digital Nomads in Spain Face Backlash Amid Rising Anti-Tourism Sentiment. What’s the solution?

Spain has long been a popular destination for digital nomads, drawn by its vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and sunny climate. However, a recent report from Sifted suggests that a growing anti-tourism sentiment in the country is leading to increased hostility towards these remote workers

The report highlights several incidents where digital nomads have been “bullied” and made to feel unwelcome. Some locals accuse them of driving up rent prices and displacing residents, while others resent their perceived privileged lifestyle. This resentment has manifested in various forms, including verbal harassment, online abuse, and even physical threats.

The situation has become so dire that some digital nomads are considering leaving Spain altogether.

Digital nomads such as Sonia Amroun have left the island of Palma in the Canary Islands. She has no plans to return this year.

Amroun spent four months of the year as a digital nomad in the Canaries’ La Palma running conscious co-living retreats for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs.

However, that dream for her and fellow digital nomads has come to an end at least for this year. She relays her story to Sifted about what happened after posting a video online highlighting one of her projects. She received more than 400 “bullying” messages from locals telling her to leave. 

“I’m North African myself and I started to receive messages saying I was a coloniser. That was totally crazy,” she tells Sifted. “I felt I was not in the right place; I’m not doing the right thing. If those people think that [about me], there is something wrong.” Amroun left the island in April and doesn’t plan to go back this year.

This escalating tension is not only detrimental to the well-being of digital nomads but also poses a threat to Spain’s economy. Digital nomads are known for their significant contributions to local businesses and communities. Their departure could result in a substantial loss of revenue for the country.

So, what’s the solution?

The Sifted report suggests that a multifaceted approach is needed to address this complex issue.

Firstly, it calls for greater education and awareness among both locals and digital nomads. Locals need to understand the potential benefits that digital nomads can bring to their communities, while nomads need to be more sensitive to local customs and concerns.

For example, declining populations in certain regions can benefit from digital nomads, who can provide a longer-term source of income. This has led to the revival of struggling towns in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. However, digital nomads have a responsibility to engage in sustainable tourism practices, respecting their temporary homes by engaging with the local culture and avoiding peak travel seasons to prevent overcrowding.

The report focuses on the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding between the two groups. This could involve organising community events, workshops, and forums where locals and nomads can interact and learn from each other. Nomads could be helping local businesses thrive while keeping rental prices low.

Finally, the report suggests that the Spanish government should consider implementing policies that support the integration of digital nomads into local communities. This could include offering language courses, providing information on local resources, and creating conscious co-working spaces that encourage beneficial interaction between locals and nomads.

While the current situation in Spain is undoubtedly challenging, it is not without hope. By working together, locals and digital nomads can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Conscious co-living spaces for digital nomads

According to the report, Nacho Rodriguez, a Gran Canaria native with a decade of experience running a consultancy for remote workers, believes that destinations offering affordable, all-inclusive packages at luxury hotels will attract a specific type of tourist. However, Rodriguez suggests that “by regulating the destination’s promotional offers, you can filter the type of visitor you want to attract.”