Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the streets of Barcelona, Spain, to protest against excessive tourism and its negative impacts on residents' lives. Participants from around 150 organizations marched, carrying signs with messages like 'Barcelona is not for sale' and 'Tourists, go home.' Some protesters even used water sprayers shaped like pistols against tourists.
The demonstrators closed down several restaurants and hotels to highlight their concerns. Critics argue that excessive tourism has made Barcelona uninhabitable by dramatically increasing the cost of living and rental prices. According to Reuters, rents in Barcelona and other popular cities like Madrid rose by 18% in June compared to the previous year.
Under the slogan 'Enough! Let's put restrictions on tourism,' the protesters demanded a change in the city's economic model. Jordi Guillot, a 70-year-old sociologist, stated, 'We have nothing against tourism, but we are against excessive tourism because it makes the city unlivable.'
The impact of excessive tourism on housing prices is particularly severe. Rents have risen by 68% over the past decade, according to the Barcelona City Council. Demonstrators also criticized the harmful effects on local businesses, the environment, and the working conditions of local employees.
Barcelona, which received more than 12 million tourists last year, is planning to ban the rental of tourist apartments by 2029 to make housing more accessible for residents. Spain, the second most popular tourist destination in the world, received a record 85.1 million foreign visitors last year, with Catalonia being the most visited region.
The rising housing and living costs have driven Spaniards onto the streets in various cities, including Tenerife, Mallorca, and Málaga. Protestors are demanding restrictions on the tourism industry due to issues like environmental pollution, traffic jams, overcrowding, water shortages, and the overloading of the health sector and waste disposal.
In response to the protests, Barcelona has announced plans to abolish the rental of holiday apartments by the end of 2028. Landlords, however, are threatening legal resistance. Other tourist hotspots like Venice and Amsterdam are also implementing measures to control the flow of tourists.
- Spain's tourism sector is a significant part of its economy, representing 12.8% of GDP and 12.6% of jobs. The influx of tourists brings substantial revenue, with estimates suggesting that by the end of the year, 91 million holidaymakers could bring around 125 billion euros into the Spanish economy.
- While tourism boosts the economy, it poses challenges for local residents who face rising living costs and housing shortages. The tension between economic benefits and the quality of life for residents continues to be a contentious issue, prompting cities to seek a balance through regulations and restrictions.
