Article:
As tourists snapped selfies and filmed the ongoing protests, a wave of locals gathered in central Barcelona on Sunday, demanding an end to the rampant over-tourism that has invaded their city. The atmosphere was charged as protesters shouted "Go Home!" towards bewildered visitors, while water pistols were used to douse unsuspecting couples sitting in street cafes. Luxury boutiques were adorned with stickers proclaiming that tourists were no longer welcome.
Barcelona remains one of Spain’s premier tourist destinations, attracting over 15 million visitors last year—nearly tenfold the local population. However, this influx, coupled with the rise of short-term rentals, has left many residents feeling displaced in their own neighborhoods.
Marina, a passionate protestor, held up a sign reading “Your AirBnB used to be my home,” highlighting the challenges of skyrocketing rental prices exacerbated by an influx of expats. "We cannot live in this city," she lamented, pushing for reasonable tourism management that allows locals to thrive.
Elena, a marine biologist sharing similar sentiments, emphasized the unsustainability for young residents: "It's not about stopping tourism, but managing it to benefit all." The effects of rising fees and evictions are echoed by locals of all ages, including 80-year-old Pepi Viu, who recently became homeless due to an increased rent price on her long-term residence.
Despite the protests, the landlords have their struggles too. Jesus Pereda, who manages two tourist rentals near the Sagrada Familia, feels they are unfairly targeted as scapegoats for broader housing issues. He contends that remote workers, rather than tourist rentals, have driven rent prices up beyond affordability. Under impending new regulations announcing a complete ban on short-term rentals by 2028, many landlords, like Pereda, are anxious about their livelihoods and future prospects.
As protests erupted into chants of "You're all guiris!"—a local term for foreigners—tensions between residents and tourists increased. Supporters of the protests stress that while tourism can be beneficial, there needs to be accountability and consideration of how its growth impacts the community. Although Spain anticipates welcoming record numbers this summer, the ongoing dialogue between tourism, urban development, and local rights remains crucial for the health of Barcelona and its residents.
