As protesters marched through central Barcelona on Sunday, the atmosphere was charged with chants demanding tourists to "Go Home!" and playful antics like squirting bemused café-goers with water pistols. The increasing number of tourists—over 15 million last year compared to the city's mere 1.5 million residents—is causing significant strain on local communities.
Signs such as "Your AirBnB used to be my home" highlight the frustrations of residents like Marina, who believe tourism is driving rents sky-high and making the city unaffordable. The coastal city, celebrated for its spectacular sites like the Sagrada Familia, is caught in a tug-of-war where locals feel squeezed out of their own neighborhoods by an influx of visitors and transient workers.
Not only young residents are affected; 80-year-old Pepi Viu was recently evicted from her long-time home and finds herself unable to find a suitable place amid soaring rental prices. Meanwhile, Joan Alvarez is resisting eviction from his modest flat, emphasizing the importance of community over profits.
The situation has prompted local authorities to act, announcing a ban on short-term tourist rentals by 2028—doing away with 10,000 licenses in an effort to reclaim affordable housing for locals. However, some landlords like Jesus Pereda argue that blaming them ignores broader economic factors, including the rise of 'digital nomads' who are driving prices higher.
Chants and firecrackers pervaded the protest, which resonated beyond Barcelona, with similar sentiments expressed across Spain, Portugal, and Italy. As the summer tourist season approaches, the tension between locals and tourists continues to escalate, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable approach to tourism in a city treasured by visitors and residents alike.
