Why are Barcelona residents firing water pistols at tourists and asking them to ‘go home’?

Around 2,800 protesters took to the streets of Barcelona in Spain on Saturday (July 6), urging tourists to “go home” while waving placards and squirting water guns at outdoor diners.

The protest aimed to highlight “over-tourism” in the city. It comes from dissatisfaction among some residents who believe that despite boosting Spain’s economy, rising tourism has led to drawbacks. Marching through the city’s popular tourist spots, residents chanted slogans and held signs, saying “Tourism Kills the City” and “Barcelona is Not for Sale”.

Why is more tourism seen as a bad thing?

Tourism plays a pivotal role in Barcelona’s economy, benefiting businesses like hotels and restaurants, but it also escalates prices due to increasing demand. In Barcelona, the primary concerns are the rising cost of living and the housing crisis.

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With a population of approximately 1.6 million, it has seen a significant increase in tourist numbers after the Covid-19 pandemic. From 9.7 million tourists in 2022, the number rose to around 26 million in 2023. They generated direct spending of approximately €12.75 billion, according to data from the Barcelona Tourism Observatory, a statistical platform initiated by the Barcelona City Council.

The local community has complained about the surge in tourists leading to increased rental prices and displacement of residents. For instance, the average monthly rent rose from €814 in 2014 to €1,087 in 2023 — an increase of about 33.5%. It also reflects the broader trend across Europe, where housing costs have generally risen in this period.

There is also pressure on local infrastructure. Barcelona resident Isa Miralles told The Guardian, “Local shops are shutting down to accommodate stores that don’t cater to the needs of the neighborhoods.”

How has the administration responded?

Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni unveiled a plan in June to phase out all short-term rental leases by 2028, aiming to curb the soaring housing costs. The city also raised its tourist tax, a fee imposed on visitors staying in accommodations such as hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals. The tax was increased by €1 in 2023 and another €0.50 in April 2024, bringing the total municipal surcharge to €3.25 per night.

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Also Read | Venice residents protest as city begins tourist entry charge

Cruise ships were also banned from docking at one of its terminals to reduce pollution and congestion. Further, smoking bans were introduced on certain beaches.

However, some locals believe that these measures fall short. One Barcelona protester said, “The city has completely shifted its focus to tourists, and what we need is a city that caters to its citizens, not just tourists,” The Independent reported.

Not just a Barcelona problem – why over-tourism is becoming a concern

Barcelona is not the only city grappling with overtourism. In Japan, a town erected a 65-foot screen to block views of Mount Fuji to discourage tourists from congregating at a scenic spot.

Following the end of travel restrictions during the pandemic, tourism has boomed globally. In a hyperconnected world, travelling is also increasingly accessible. Social media and apps such as Instagram have also helped make certain destinations photo-worthy and made travelling more attractive to millions. There are local factors too, like in the case of Japan, which has a weak currency against the dollar. As a result, tourists are lining up to make use of their increased spending power.

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But the mass gathering of people in a few sports has far-reaching effects. Apart from residents’ issues, there is a threat to the natural environment. Coral reefs, for instance, have suffered damage due to tourists snorkelling, diving, and touching the corals in places like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Plastic pollution is also a concern.

In response, some cities have attempted to limit tourism and keep local interests in mind. In 2024, Amsterdam launched a campaign titled “Renew Your View”, to encourage tourists to explore the city from the locals’ perspective.

Key strategies include limiting the number of private holiday rentals, reducing the number of bed and breakfast rentals by 30%, and prohibiting the opening of new souvenir shops in the city centre to make room for local businesses, such as bookshops and salons. Venice also implemented an entry fee for day-trippers in April to curb short-term tourist traffic.

The author is an intern with The Indian Express