Barcelona: Thousands of protesters take to the streets over overtourism

Thousands of people have protested in Barcelona against overtourism in the Catalan capital, as anger grows in Spain, the world’s second-biggest tourist destination.

Under the slogan “Enough! Let’s put limits on tourism”, the demonstrators demanded a change in the economic model of the city, Spain’s number one tourist destination.

“We have nothing against tourism, but with overtourism, yes, because it makes the city unlivable,” explained Barcelona sociologist Jordi Goyo, 70.

Behind a banner reading “Stop tourism now!”, the protesters chanted slogans such as “Tourists get out of our neighborhoods” and stopped in front of hotels, causing panic among tourists.

The people are angry.

Opponents of overtourism criticize its effects on house prices – rents have risen 68% over the past decade, according to Barcelona city hall – but also its consequences for local shops, the environment or working conditions for local residents.

“Neighbourhood shops are closing to make way for a business model that doesn’t fit the needs of the neighbourhood. People (…) can’t pay the rent, they are forced to leave,” says a 35-year-old musician who lives in the Barceloneta area.

More than 12 million tourists in 2023

Barcelona welcomed more than 12 million tourists last year, according to figures from the city hall.

To facilitate residents’ access to the roof, the municipality announced its intention to stop renting tourist accommodation until 2029.

From the Balearic Islands to the Canary Islands and Malaga, anti-overtourism events are multiplying in Spain.

Spain is the world’s second most visited tourist destination after France. Last year it received 85.1 million visitors.

The region with the most visitors is Catalonia, with 18 million. It is followed by the Balearic Islands (14.4 million) and the Canary Islands (13.9 million).

The tourism sector in Spain represents 12.8% of GDP and 12.6% of employment.

Source: Monkey Bee