In recent years, a noticeable anti-tourist sentiment has emerged across many of Europe’s most beloved destinations. Cities like Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam, and Dubrovnik have seen growing frustration from locals over the impact of mass tourism—skyrocketing housing prices, overcrowded public services, and a loss of cultural authenticity. Protest signs such as “Tourists go home” and “This isn’t Disneyland” have become increasingly visible. But for Americans and other non-Europeans considering a long-term retirement on the continent, a fair question arises: Does this hostility apply to retirees, too?

The short answer is not usually—but with caveats.

Understanding the Anti-Tourism Backlash

Before addressing retirees specifically, it’s important to understand what’s driving this resentment. The frustration isn’t about travelers per se—it's about the volume, behavior, and transience of mass tourism.

Budget airlines, short-term rentals like Airbnb, and cruise ships have enabled a flood of short-stay visitors who often contribute little to local economies beyond crowding popular sights and inflating rental markets. In some cities, entire neighborhoods have become hollowed-out seasonal districts, pricing out residents and disrupting daily life.

This is the type of tourism locals are reacting against—not stable, contributing residents, which is often how retirees are seen.

Why Retirees Are Generally Welcomed

Retirees, especially those who integrate into local communities, are usually viewed very differently from transient tourists. Here’s why:

1. Economic Contribution
Long-term residents pay rent (or buy property), purchase groceries, use local healthcare services, and dine in family-run restaurants year-round. Retirees often contribute more consistently to local economies than short-stay visitors.
2. Cultural Respect
Most retirees looking to settle abroad are more invested in understanding and respecting the local culture. Many learn the language, follow social norms, and become involved in community activities—earning goodwill from locals.
3. Off-Peak Living
Retirees tend to avoid the high seasons, both for convenience and cost. Living in Europe in the off-season means fewer crowds, less competition for housing, and less friction with overburdened infrastructure.
4. Demographic Balance
Some towns in rural Spain, France, and Italy welcome foreign retirees, especially as younger locals move to larger cities. These retirees help keep shops, services, and small medical practices viable in otherwise shrinking towns.

Exceptions and Things to Watch Out For

That said, retirees aren’t automatically exempt from local scrutiny. Some important caveats include:

• Short-Term Rental Ownership: If retirees invest in tourist rentals instead of living in the community, they may still be seen as part of the problem.
• Real Estate Pressures: In highly desirable places like Lisbon, Florence, or San Sebastián, rising property prices due to foreign buyers can stir resentment, even toward long-term residents.
• Cultural Insularity: If retirees form expat enclaves that remain socially and linguistically isolated, they may face criticism for not integrating.
• Local Bureaucracy: Residency requirements have tightened in many countries, particularly post-Brexit. Retirees need to show income, health insurance, and housing stability—measures designed partly to ensure they contribute positively.

Best Practices for Retiring Abroad Respectfully

If you're considering retiring in Europe, here are a few ways to ensure you're seen as a neighbor, not a nuisance:

• Learn the Language: Even basic phrases go a long way in establishing goodwill.
• Live Where Locals Live: Avoid expat bubbles and tourist-heavy zones.
• Participate in Community Life: Volunteer, join clubs, and support local causes.
• Rent Before You Buy: Understand the local market and neighborhood dynamics before making long-term commitments.
• Stay Informed: Follow local news to stay abreast of community concerns and changing attitudes.

In Conclusion

Europe’s anti-tourist fervor is real, but it rarely targets retirees, particularly those who move abroad with humility, curiosity, and a desire to integrate. In fact, in many aging rural towns, retirees are quietly helping to rejuvenate local life. The key is to avoid the “invisible bubble” of detached expat living. Respect the community, contribute meaningfully, and learn to live with the culture, not just in it.