On a recent Saturday in Barcelona, the city witnessed a wave of protests against mass tourism. Demonstrators, frustrated with the long-standing issues of overtourism, took to the streets in the neighborhood of Barceloneta. Their actions included blocking hotel entrances with police-style tape and shouting “tourists go home.” The crowd, estimated to be around 3,000 people, voiced their demands for city officials to take immediate action to “decrease tourists now.”
Barcelona, a city of 1.6 million residents, has seen a significant increase in tourist numbers over the years. In 2023, hotel occupancy rates in July and August reached nearly 80%, as the city welcomed over 4 million visitors. The rapid growth in tourism has led to a strain on local resources and infrastructure, impacting the daily lives of residents.
The surge in tourist numbers has not only overcrowded the city but also driven up rental prices in Barcelona. According to Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, rents have increased by 68% in the past decade, making it difficult for many locals to afford living in the city. The housing market, influenced by the rise of short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb, has further exacerbated the issue.
In an effort to address the challenges posed by overtourism, Barcelona has taken steps to regulate the rental market. Mayor Collboni announced a ban on Airbnb-style short-term rentals by 2028, with the aim of putting 10,000 apartments back into the long-term rental market. The move is seen as a crucial step towards restoring balance in the city’s housing sector and easing the pressure on local residents.
A report published by Barcelona’s City Council in 2023, titled “Perception of Tourism in Barcelona,” shed light on the sentiments of local residents towards tourism. While a majority of residents view tourism as beneficial to the city, there is a growing concern about the negative impacts of overtourism. The report highlighted that many residents have started to avoid certain areas in the city due to the influx of tourists, signaling a shift in perception towards reaching the tourism capacity limit.
The issue of overtourism in Barcelona is a multifaceted problem that requires a holistic approach to address. While tourism plays a vital role in the city’s economy, it is essential to strike a balance that protects the interests of both residents and visitors. Sustainable tourism practices and thoughtful city planning are key to ensuring Barcelona remains a vibrant and livable city for generations to come.