Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Barcelona over the weekend to protest against mass tourism. The protests, which have been growing in intensity, saw activists targeting popular tourist areas with water pistols, squirting unsuspecting diners and chanting slogans such as “tourists go home.”
Footage from the scene shows a lively yet tense atmosphere as protesters expressed their frustration with the overwhelming number of tourists flooding the city. The demonstrations highlight the ongoing conflict between residents and the tourism industry, which many locals feel has negatively impacted their quality of life.
In response to the growing discontent, the mayor of Barcelona has pledged to eliminate short-term tourist rentals within the next five years. This move aims to address the housing crisis and reduce the strain on local infrastructure caused by the influx of visitors.
The protests underscore the broader challenges faced by popular tourist destinations worldwide, as cities grapple with balancing economic benefits from tourism with the needs and well-being of their residents.