The streets of central Barcelona were filled with protesters on Sunday, voicing their frustrations over the escalating impact of tourism on local life. Shouting at tourists and with some even targeting them with water pistols, demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with how tourism is reshaping their city. While not opposed to tourism as an industry, locals are increasingly concerned that the influx of visitors is pushing them out of their own neighborhoods.
Among the protesters was Marina, who held a sign declaring, "Your AirBnB used to be my home." She articulated a growing sentiment among residents, particularly young people, who struggle with skyrocketing rents attributed to the influx of tourists and expatriates. "We cannot live in this city," she lamented.
The protest route wound towards one of Barcelona's iconic landmarks, the Sagrada Familia, which attracted over 15 million visitors last year—nearly ten times the city's population. Residents like Elena, a marine biologist, emphasized that the issue isn't about tourists themselves, but rather how tourism is managed. Many locals find it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities, further fueling their discontent.
The struggles are not limited to the younger generation. Eighty-year-old Pepi Viu has recently been evicted from her home, forced into a hostel while searching for affordable housing, which has risen by nearly 70% since her last rental. Joan Alvarez, another long-term resident, refuses to vacate his family rental of 25 years despite his landlord's termination of the contract. "It shouldn't be like that," he stated, lamenting the disappearance of central residents.
Landlords are increasingly seen as scapegoats in the housing crisis, with rising rents blamed on "nomad" workers rather than tourists. Jesus Pereda, a landlord with two tourist flats, insists that tourists help distribute wealth across the city rather than being the sole cause of rent hikes. As local authorities prepare to ban short-term rentals altogether by 2028, the future of affordable housing in Barcelona remains uncertain.
The protest culminated in chants and even flares being set off in tourist locations, a reflection of the growing tension between visitors and locals. Similar demonstrations have occurred across Spain, Portugal, and Italy, marking a broader discourse on the challenges posed by over-tourism as the summer tourist season approaches. Residents are seeking solutions that respect both local needs and the economic benefits of tourism, but consensus on effective actions remains elusive.
Among the protesters was Marina, who held a sign declaring, "Your AirBnB used to be my home." She articulated a growing sentiment among residents, particularly young people, who struggle with skyrocketing rents attributed to the influx of tourists and expatriates. "We cannot live in this city," she lamented.
The protest route wound towards one of Barcelona's iconic landmarks, the Sagrada Familia, which attracted over 15 million visitors last year—nearly ten times the city's population. Residents like Elena, a marine biologist, emphasized that the issue isn't about tourists themselves, but rather how tourism is managed. Many locals find it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities, further fueling their discontent.
The struggles are not limited to the younger generation. Eighty-year-old Pepi Viu has recently been evicted from her home, forced into a hostel while searching for affordable housing, which has risen by nearly 70% since her last rental. Joan Alvarez, another long-term resident, refuses to vacate his family rental of 25 years despite his landlord's termination of the contract. "It shouldn't be like that," he stated, lamenting the disappearance of central residents.
Landlords are increasingly seen as scapegoats in the housing crisis, with rising rents blamed on "nomad" workers rather than tourists. Jesus Pereda, a landlord with two tourist flats, insists that tourists help distribute wealth across the city rather than being the sole cause of rent hikes. As local authorities prepare to ban short-term rentals altogether by 2028, the future of affordable housing in Barcelona remains uncertain.
The protest culminated in chants and even flares being set off in tourist locations, a reflection of the growing tension between visitors and locals. Similar demonstrations have occurred across Spain, Portugal, and Italy, marking a broader discourse on the challenges posed by over-tourism as the summer tourist season approaches. Residents are seeking solutions that respect both local needs and the economic benefits of tourism, but consensus on effective actions remains elusive.
