Protests Erupt in Barcelona Over Rising Tourism Impact on Locals

As Barcelona grapples with a surge in tourist numbers, residents are rallying against the impact on housing and local life, pushing for a balanced approach to tourism.

On Sunday, vibrant protests swept through Barcelona's streets as residents expressed growing frustrations over the overwhelming influx of tourists. Chanting slogans like "Go Home!" directed at tourists recording the demonstrations, participants underscored a mounting discontent in a city that heavily relies on tourism revenue.

Local establishments were targeted as protesters armed with water pistols drenched couples at nearby cafés, while luxury shops displayed stickers labeling tourists as intruders. With an impressive 15 million visitors flocking to the city last year, locals argue that the noisy crowds are eroding their way of life.

Community member Marina held a sign that exclaimed, "Your AirBnB used to be my home," highlighting how short-term rentals are pushing rents sky-high. This sentiment resonates with many, as families struggle to find affordable housing amidst growing tourism businesses.

Elena, a marine biologist, noted the financial burden on younger citizens: "Young people can't afford living here or even normal things like coffee that are all really expensive for our salaries." The protests led participants toward the iconic Sagrada Familia, where they continued to amplify their demands for manageable tourism levels.

Eighty-year-old Pepi Viu reflected the harsh realities of the housing crisis after being evicted from the home she maintained for nearly a decade. With rising property prices, she lamented, "There's only tourist flats now, but we residents need somewhere to live!"

Joan Alvarez, who has lived in his family’s apartment for 25 years, battles to retain his affordable space amidst a wave of evictions in the neighborhood. "It shouldn't be like that," he stated, emphasizing the emotional connection he shares with his home.

The government, in response to rising tensions, has announced plans to ban short-term tourist rentals entirely by 2028—a move that will directly affect approximately 10,000 landlords, including Jesus Pereda, who operates two tourist flats near the Sagrada Familia. Disagreeing with the government’s assessment, Jesus claims that nomadic workers moving to Barcelona are driving up rental prices, not the tourists themselves.

The protests culminated in fervent chants and firecracker blasts near police barricades at popular tourist spots, signaling a coordinated push for local rights across Spain. As tourists are expected to swarm the city again this summer, the challenge of finding a middle ground for sustainable tourism continues to be a pressing issue for both the residents and the city’s economy.