Videos of Barcelona residents shooting water pistols at tourists at a city restaurant have been widely shared on social media. The residents aim to send a message: “Tourists, go home.” This action highlights the ongoing protests against mass tourism in the country, fueled by rising housing costs as rent prices have soared, making Barcelona unaffordable for locals.

The anti-tourism protests in Barcelona on Saturday, July 6, involved around 2,800 protesters who marched carrying banners with messages like "Tourists go home" and used colorful water pistols to spray tourists in Las Ramblas district. The protesters also cordoned off establishments with red tape.

What happened?

• The anti-tourism protesters in Barcelona used creative methods like water pistols to make their point.
• They conveyed messages opposing mass tourism and its impact on housing costs.
• The protest involved blocking off tourist spots and displaying slogans against tourism.

Why are there anti-tourism protests in Barcelona?

• The core issue driving the protests is the steep rise in housing costs in Barcelona, making it challenging for locals to afford living in the city.
• Rental prices have surged by 18 percent in the past year, with a 68 percent increase over the last decade.
• The surge in tourist apartment rentals has strained the housing market, prompting government actions to address the issue.
• Protesters are critical of a tourism-dependent economy, claiming it leads to impoverishment and reliance on external visitors.

Who is protesting in Barcelona?

• About 180 local organizations collaborate to organize the protests.
• ABDT, the Neighborhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth, leads these demonstrations to voice concerns about mass tourism.
• Protesters seek policy changes to alleviate the effects of tourism on local housing and economy.

What are the demands of Barcelona’s anti-tourism protest?

ABDT's proposals include withdrawing plans for airport infrastructure expansion, eliminating tourist apartments, and protecting local commerce.

• The demands aim at reducing the negative impact of mass tourism on housing costs and the local economy.
• More than 10,000 tourist apartment rentals are set to be banned by 2028, as a measure to address the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism.
• Protesters call for better working conditions for tourism sector employees and measures to make tourism industry bear the costs of exploiting public services.

How many tourists visit Barcelona?

• Barcelona attracted around 12 million visitors in 2023, making it a significant tourist destination in Spain.
• Spain received 85 million foreign visitors in 2024, with Catalonia being a hotspot attracting 18 million tourists.
• Tourists flock to Barcelona for its cultural attractions, beaches, and iconic landmarks.

In which other countries have residents discouraged tourism?

• Locals from Paris, Athens, and Venice have also expressed discontent with mass tourism, citing issues like rising prices and environmental concerns.
• Residents in different cities have resorted to protests and advocacy to curb the negative impacts of tourism on their communities.
• Barcelona's case mirrors a global trend of residents demanding more sustainable tourism practices and addressing housing affordability.