By Barcelona: Protestors Spray Tourists With Water Pistols As Overtourism Takes Toll. Credit: X/@RobTravelExpert
After Mallorca and Canary Islands, protests against mass tourism have come to plague Barcelona, as cost of living in cities rises astronomically each year. Over 3000 demonstrators, armed with signs reading “Barcelona is not for sale” and “Enough! Let’s put limits on tourism” vented their frustrations with a soak. Diners in popular tourist areas like Las Ramblas found themselves caught in the crossfire, with water pistols replacing the usual street performers.
The demonstration was organised by a group of more than 100 local organisations, led by the Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turístic (Neighborhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth). This unusual protest reflects a growing sentiment amongst Barcelona’s residents. They argue that the city’s booming tourist industry has come at a cost. Soaring rents, packed streets, and a strain on local resources are all attributed to the influx of visitors. The protestors are calling for a more sustainable model of tourism, with limitations on visitor numbers and a shift towards a more local-centric experience.
As per reports, Barcelona’s mayor is taking action to curb tourism’s impact. He’s raised the tourist tax, limited cruise ship passengers, and aims to end short-term apartment rentals by 2028. This aims to make housing more affordable for residents facing rising costs. But will it be effective in the long term remains to be seen.
Overtourism In Spain
Many destinations in Europe, especially Spain, are opposing overtourism. In Malaga, residents have launched a sticker campaign urging tourists to leave. The stickers, found on tourist apartments, express frustration with disruptions to locals’ lives and highlight the scarcity of affordable housing due to tourism. Similarly, in 2023, San Sebastian, a popular destination in Europe, faced excessive tourist numbers which prompted plans to limit visitors and halt new hotel constructions. These measures aim to foster sustainable tourism and preserve the city’s charm. The city followed in the footsteps of Palma de Mallorca, which banned Airbnb rentals in 2018.
