The surge of anti-tourism fury which had swept across Europe over the past few years has emerged in Mexico after violent scenes erupted in its capital.
Protestors have taken aim at foreigners and demanded action on mass tourism in a bid to fight against the gentrification of their city.
A peaceful march through Condesa and Roma - two of Mexico City's most thriving neighbourhoods - turned ugly as masked demonstrators smashed up shopfronts, scrawled graffiti on walls and hurled abuse at visitors.
The two districts, popular among foreign tourists and expats, saw a breakaway group attacking high-end businesses, spray-painting messages like "Get out of Mexico" and "Gringos, stop stealing our home".
A demonstrator holds a banner reading "Airbnb leave" during a protest against gentrification in Condesa, Mexico City
REUTERS/RAQUEL CUNHA
Others were seen screaming at passers-by and onlookers.
Bizarrely, with protestors complaining about foreigners ruining their country, footage showed rocks being thrown at glass storefronts and looters broke into shops as people watched on
Some protestors were seen wearing balaclavas and they marched towards the US Embassy, chanting slogans.
Police sirens were heard across the city as officers rushed to the scene as reinforcements were deployed.
A person passes by graffiti left on a shopfront during the protests in Mexico City
REUTERS/RAQUEL CUNHA
The locals also claim it has seen a spread of short-term lets like Airbnb which have pushed them out of their own neighbourhoods.
Unrest in Mexico was similar to that in other areas of Europe, including Venice and parts of Greece, where locals complain of their cities being transformed into playgrounds for the rich.
Locals have called for the Mexican Government to take action as officials are still yet to comment on Friday's violence through the city.
Some campaigners have demanded legislation to cap tourism numbers while other options include restriction foreign property ownership in Mexico.
The anti-tourism protests in Europe has seen British holidaymakers reconsidering their destinations, including the popular location of Barcelona and Majorca.
Protestors were seen targeting tourists with water pistols.
The episode in Mexico City marks a dramatic escalation in a growing issue which many nationals describe as uncontrolled tourism.
Mexico's capital has seen an influx of foreign visitors ever since the pandemic which has prompted locals to blame on soaring rent and property prices.
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