As thousands marched through central Barcelona on Sunday, protesters voiced their discontent with the overwhelming influx of tourists, urging them to "Go Home!" Many locals gathered at street cafes, shocked as water pistols were squirting at them, and luxury shops were plastered with stickers declaring tourists unwelcome. While tourism is a vital part of Spain's economy, locals argue the rapid growth is becoming a burden, making them feel alienated in their own neighborhoods.
Among the demonstrators, Marina held a sign reading "Your AirBnB used to be my home," highlighting how rising rents due to short-term rentals are forcing locals out. The protesters called for a balance, insisting they want tourism to continue but at a more sustainable rate. "Our city is being choked by tourists," she explained.
As Barcelona hosted over 15 million visitors last year, nearly ten times its local population, concerns over "over-tourism" have reached a tipping point. Young marine biologist Elena articulated the financial struggles that locals face: "It's not about the tourists themselves; it’s about managing the volume in a way that does not displace us."
The emotional toll of rising rents is felt by many, including 80-year-old Pepi Viu, recently evicted from her home of ten years. Searching for affordable housing, she bemoans the lack of support for residents, stating, "There's only tourist flats now, but we residents need somewhere to live!" With skyrocketing prices making it difficult to find new accommodation, Pepi represents the residents increasingly pushed out by the demand for short-term rentals.
In another part of the city, Joan Alvarez fights to keep his family’s flat amid pressures from landlords capitalizing on the tourism boom. "It's not just about money; it's the principle of having a home," he said, defiantly refusing to leave his affordable rent-controlled apartment.
The landlords are feeling the pressure too. Jesus Pereda, who manages two tourist flats, argues that they are not the source of rising rents, instead blaming "nomad" workers moving to the region from abroad. Pereda argues that short-term rentals distribute tourist spending across the city and that without tourism, Barcelona could face economic disaster.
The protests culminated with chants of "You're all guiris!"—slang for foreigners—as red smoke erupted, signaling ongoing tensions. Similar demonstrations occurred across Spain, Portugal, and Italy, reflecting widespread concerns over the impact of tourism on local communities. As tourists flood into Barcelona this summer, the question persists: how can cities manage tourism without sacrificing their residents’ quality of life?
