The Rise of “Illegal Immigration Tourism” in Europe

We’re witnessing a rather unusual trend across Europe—”illegal immigration tourism.” In this bizarre scenario, travelers don’t pay for their stays, hosts have little choice in the matter, and any services are billed to another party entirely.

According to author and academic Steven Pinker, we’re living in the best time ever. Well, that might feel true for those benefiting from the generous taxpayer-funded systems of Western Europe.

For example, in Ireland, where I was raised, local hotels that used to cater to tourists are now full-time accommodations for African asylum seekers.

The Brussels Experience

There was a time when reaching Europe from North Africa was no small feat—it required meticulous planning and a good chunk of savings. Those days seem long gone. Now, thanks to bureaucratic efficiency in Brussels, all it takes is a small boat and a willingness to let the German authorities manage the booking, including things like fresh linens and breakfast options.

The situation in Hamburg-Harburg’s Inner Harbor exemplifies this shift. Developers poured €60 million into revamping a dilapidated harbor into a trendy waterfront area. Their crown jewel, the Niu Quay hotel, aimed to attract a more affluent clientele and boost the neighborhood’s appeal. But instead of flourishing as a business, it quickly transitioned from a chic hotel to a shelter for asylum seekers, especially after Hamburg’s housing agency moved in.

Now, it serves 340 rooms to incoming refugees, changing its mission seemingly overnight as the local public housing system struggles under capacity pressures—and avoiding the uncomfortable optics of homelessness in public parks.

Local Repercussions

This situation brings a dark twist of irony. A local resident, grappling with inflation and stagnant wages, finds himself unable to book a room at a hotel where his taxes support the costs. It’s frustrating. Imagine wanting to enjoy a staycation in your city only to discover the government has commandeered every room.

The ripple effects of this policy are being felt far and wide, not just along the Elbe. The traditional hospitality industry now frequently operates as a state-supported network. In Britain, once-bustling seaside resorts are now hosting asylum seekers, leaving local shops and cafes to wonder why their customer base has vanished.

High-end hotels, designed for luxury vacations, are now frequently repurposed for less affluent guests. In Ireland, where I grew up, village hotels are now serving a similar role, putting local businesses in a bind.

The Economic Imbalance

It’s astounding when you look at the numbers. Last year, Hamburg spent about €82 ($95) per person daily to house migrants in hotels. Combined, the city-states of Hamburg and Berlin invest nearly €4 billion every year on housing and processing. That amount could easily cover a wide range of luxury accommodations.

As local residents cut their personal vacation plans to manage rising heating costs, the government acts like an elite travel agent—reserving entire hotel floors without needing any credit information.

Recently, Hamburg officials indicated a desire to reduce their reliance on these costly hotel arrangements. Ironically, they then signed a new lease for the Niu Quay. Although they claim to seek budget-friendly options, public agencies routinely approve premium rates for last-minute bookings when state facilities fail to open.

Taxpayer Strain

Regular citizens are left to bear the burden. Local parliamentary leaders voice concerns that small restaurants and shops depended on a steady flow of tourists who typically had money to spare. Now, their customer base consists of individuals whose accommodations are paid for with taxpayer money. These guests generally don’t dine out often or purchase local goods when they’re provided for—so, it’s easy to see why local businesses feel neglected.

This setup also creates a particular mindset among migrants. Arriving in such comfort may foster a sense of entitlement, leading them to expect ongoing support without any personal contribution or effort to integrate into society.

In effect, European governments have devised a system where the most straightforward route to a nice room in a major city is to forfeit documentation at the border. The working class finances this new hospitality model while local businesses lose clientele, while the state steps in as the primary provider of accommodations—all at public expense.