As crowds marched through Barcelona on Sunday, they sent a clear message to tourists: “Go Home!” This display of discontent involved playful water pistols and stickers slapping luxury shops, revealing the city's rising frustration with rampant tourism. Barcelona, a hotspot for travelers, draws in over 15 million visitors annually—nearly ten times its local population—leaving many residents feeling suffocated and pushed out.
Marina, a protestor holding a banner saying "Your AirBnB used to be my home," expressed concern that high rents have forced locals out, with older residents like 80-year-old Pepi Viu struggling to find affordable housing after being evicted. Even young professionals lament their inability to afford basic necessities because of soaring costs tied to tourism.
Activists call for more manageable tourism levels rather than an outright ban, wishing for a balance that preserves the city's character. Protesters aimed to highlight how tourism profits could be harmonized with local housing needs, as they marched past famous landmarks, including the iconic Sagrada Familia.
On the flip side, landlords like Jesus Pereda argue that they are being unfairly targeted while 'digital nomads' and foreign workers are the real culprits pushing up rents. In response to the pressures from protests, Barcelona officials plan to ban short-term rentals entirely by 2028, risking the livelihoods of many.
The protests, echoed across Spain and its southern European neighbors, underline the deepening crisis of over-tourism and affordability, creating a rift as the summer tourist season approaches.
