Barcelona locals protest against mass tourism

In Spain’s Barcelona, thousands of locals targeted tourists with water pistols during a demonstration against mass tourism.

The residents marched through popular neighborhoods, like La Barceloneta, known for its bustling tourist activity.

Organized by a coalition of local groups, 2,800+ people participated over the weekend, voicing concerns over rising living costs and the impact of tourism on residents’ quality of life.

Banners reading “Tourists go home” highlighted their demand for fewer visitors, arguing that tourism has overwhelmed their city.

Residents demand change amid rising costs
Protesters expressed frustration over the city’s heavy reliance on tourism, which they claim has made living conditions untenable. Barcelona’s City Council revealed that nearly 26 million overnight visitors spent roughly $13.8 billion (€12.75 billion) in the region last year.

Residents cited a staggering 68% increase in housing costs over the past decade as evidence of the city’s skewed priorities, arguing that Barcelona prioritizes tourists over locals.

Barcelona’s mayor plans to halt the renewal of thousands of tourist licenses by 2028, aiming to reclaim housing currently used for short-term rentals, like Airbnb, for residents instead.

The protest echoes similar sentiments in other Spanish cities like Malaga and Palma de Mallorca, where residents have also rallied against the disruptive effects of tourism.