The Euro 2024 final in Berlin could be disrupted by anti-tourism protesters, an expert has warned.
England are due to face Spain in the German capital on Sunday after defeating the Netherlands earlier in the week. Ahead of the match, thousands of Three Lions fans are travelling over to Germany to support Gareth Southgate’s squad in the hope they might clinch the men’s team’s first trophy since 1966.
But Jenoa Matthes, the founder of The Travel Folk, has warned that anti-tourism sentiment that has swept across Spain in recent months could disrupt the showpiece event.
She warned that hotels in the city centre had received threats and issued some recommendations to fans making the journey over. Jenoa told Express.co.uk: “The potential for tourism protests is a pressing consideration. In the host city of Berlin, tensions around housing costs, development and over-tourism have remained high over the past two years.
“There have been regular, large demonstrations targeting both local government and major tourism events. Just last month, a protest drew 20,000 people and resulted in some clashes with police.
“Monitoring local news, it seems activist groups are mobilizing specifically around the final match. They’ve announced plans for rallies outside the stadium on both match days, and warn of potential disruptions if their demands for a tourism tax and rent controls are not met.
“While I hope any demonstrations remain non-violent, the circumstances now make disruptions seem quite possible.” Jenoa added that while the local authorities had taken measures this might not be enough to stop some disruption from occurring.
She explained: “The police have increased security budget and staffing, but say they cannot guarantee all demonstration activity will be peaceful. Major travel advisories have been issued warning fans of expected delays reaching the stadium due to planned protests blocking key routes.
“Alternate public transportation is being arranged, but crowding is still anticipated. Hotels in the city centre also report receiving threats if they don’t house more long-term residents over visitors.”
On what England fans should do, Jenoa said there were several ways they could reduce the risk of getting caught up in the trouble.
She suggested: “Fans attending should arrive even earlier than recommended, closely follow authorities/media, and consider flexible travel/ event insurance. Having backup accommodations outside the city may also provide safer access should disruptions occur as threatened.”
Numerous protests have plagued southern Spain this year, with locals saying visitors are driving up house prices and forcing residents to move out of cities.