On Sunday, demonstrators took to the streets of central Barcelona, urging tourists to “Go Home!” while spray-painting and stickering messages targeting the influx of visitors. Locals are increasingly concerned that the surging number of tourists has begun to disturb their lives, with many feeling they are being pushed out of their own neighborhoods.
Tourism is a major economic driver for Spain, and Barcelona attracts over 15 million visitors annually, nearly ten times its local population. Yet, local resident Marina voiced her frustrations, highlighting the exorbitant rents spurred by platforms like Airbnb and an influx of expats. She held a sign proclaiming “Your Airbnb used to be my home.”
Actively campaigning for a balanced tourism approach, she stated, “We want tourism, but at a sustainable rate.”
The protests wound through iconic sites like the Sagrada Familia, drawing awareness to the hardships faced by residents. Young adults struggle to afford daily essentials, while long-time residents like Pepi, a frail 80-year-old, grapple with abrupt evictions and skyrocketing housing costs.
In a dive into the heart of the Gothic quarter, Joan Alvarez, a resident for 25 years, stands defiantly against his landlord’s eviction. He emphasizes that “it’s not just about the money, it’s about the principle of community.”
In response to the ongoing protests, city authorities will implement a ban on short-term rentals by 2028. Many believe this action may not resolve the issue, while others, like property owner Jesus Pereda, argue that the real drivers of escalating rents are transient workers rather than tourists. He warns that without tourism, Barcelona’s economic foundation could face a severe crisis.
Source: www.bbc.com
