Mass Tourism Protesters in Barcelona Target Diners with Water Guns

On the weekend of July 6-7, 2024, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Barcelona, expressing their frustration with mass tourism by squirting diners with water in popular tourist areas. This act of protest highlights the growing tension between residents and tourists in the Spanish city, which has struggled with a housing crisis for years. Local politicians have increasingly blamed high tourism rates for exacerbating the problem.

The protests come on the heels of a significant announcement by Barcelona’s mayor, Ada Colau, who has pledged to eliminate short-term tourist rentals within the next five years. This move aims to alleviate the pressure on the city’s limited housing supply and make more apartments available to local residents. The mayor’s statement has sparked both support and criticism from various stakeholders.

The weekend’s protests saw thousands of local residents taking direct action against tourists, who they believe contribute to the city’s housing woes. Demonstrators, equipped with water guns and bottles, targeted diners in busy tourist areas like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. This method of protest underscores the frustration of residents who feel their concerns about affordable housing and quality of life have been ignored for too long.

BBCNews has provided coverage of the situation developing in Barcelona…

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Protesters argue that the influx of tourists has driven up rental prices and made it difficult for locals to find affordable housing. According to a 2023 report by the Barcelona City Council, the average rent in the city increased by 20% over the past five years, with some neighborhoods seeing even steeper rises. The same report indicated that the number of properties available for short-term rental through platforms like Airbnb has more than doubled in the last decade, exacerbating the housing shortage.

In response to these growing concerns, Mayor Ada Colau announced a bold plan to phase out short-term tourist rentals by 2029. In a statement on July 5, 2024, Colau emphasized that the city needs to prioritize the needs of its residents over tourists. “We must ensure that our citizens have access to affordable housing,” she said. “Tourism is important, but it should not come at the expense of our residents’ quality of life.”

The plan includes stricter regulations on new short-term rental licenses and increased enforcement against illegal rentals. The city aims to convert existing short-term rental properties into long-term housing for locals, potentially adding thousands of units to the rental market.

The mayor’s announcement has received mixed reactions. Housing advocates and many local residents have welcomed the move, seeing it as a necessary step to address the housing crisis. “This is a victory for the people of Barcelona,” said Carlos Martinez, a spokesperson for the neighborhood association La Barceloneta. “For too long, our city has been overwhelmed by tourists, making it impossible for locals to find affordable homes.”

However, the plan has also faced criticism from those in the tourism and hospitality industries. Business owners argue that the move could hurt the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism. “Tourism is a major driver of our economy,” said Maria Torres, owner of a popular restaurant in the Gothic Quarter. “If we push tourists away, we risk losing jobs and income that many families depend on.”

Barcelona’s struggle with balancing tourism and housing is not unique. Other popular tourist destinations, such as Venice and Amsterdam, have also implemented measures to control the impact of tourism on local housing markets. These cities are watching Barcelona’s approach closely, as they consider similar measures.

The situation in Barcelona is a stark reminder of the challenges that cities face in managing tourism sustainably. As global travel continues to increase, finding a balance between welcoming tourists and maintaining a livable environment for residents will be crucial.

The protests and the mayor’s ambitious plan indicate that Barcelona is at a critical juncture. The city’s approach to resolving its housing crisis could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar issues.