Mass protests in Barcelona: what tourists need to know
Table of contents
Protests continue in Barcelona, Spain. More than 150 social movements have taken to the streets of the city demanding tough measures to combat excessive tourism. Learn more about how mass protests can affect tourists
Barcelona hosted a large protest against mass tourism and its negative impact on the city. Under the slogan "Enough! Let's limit tourism", about 2,800 people marched along the waterfront, calling for a new economic model.
The protesters demanded a reduction in the number of tourists coming to the city each year. They carried placards with the words "Reduce tourism immediately!" and chanted slogans such as "Tourists out of our neighborhood", stopping in front of hotels. Currently, the largest number of tourists arrive in Barcelona from Germany, France, and the UK.
Planning a trip or move abroad? An important part of a successful trip is an insurance policy, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses while travelling. You can buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal.
How can mass protests affect tourism in Barcelona?
Thousands of Barcelona residents, armed with water pistols, took to the streets of the city's main tourist areas in a large-scale protest against mass tourism. Locals in the city center chanted "Tourists, go home" and held placards with the words "Enough! Let's limit tourism". Some protesters even sprayed tourists with water pistols as they sat in restaurants in the most popular tourist areas.
The protesters are demanding a new economic model to reduce the annual flow of tourists and address the high cost of living. Over the past 10 years, rents in Barcelona have risen by 68% and the cost of buying houses by 38%. Marti Cuzo, spokesperson for the Gothic Quarter Neighborhood Association and activist against excessive tourism, said: "We want the city's economic model to prioritize other, much more equitable economies. And to do that, we think we need to reduce tourism."
Currently, tourism accounts for 14% of Barcelona's GDP and provides more than 150 thousand jobs. However, the city authorities have already announced plans to raise the tourist tax again, as the city cannot cope with excessive tourism. It is also planned to introduce a ban on private rental of housing to tourists, but this decision will take effect only in five years. Obviously, the protesters are not ready to wait that long and demand immediate changes.
Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Travel guide for 200 countries;
Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;
Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);
Medical insurance all over the world.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.
Recommended articles
2 min
TravelsThe best locations for your European vacation: where to go in July 2024?
The hot summer vacation season is in full swing. Europe offers many great summer vacation destinations. Find out more about the best places to spend your vacation in July 2024
04 lip. 2024
More details2 min
TravelsWho needs a Schengen visa to travel to Europe in 2024?
With a Schengen visa, you will be able to travel across Europe easily and seamlessly. Find out more about who needs a Schengen visa to travel within the EU
07 lip. 2024
More details1 min
BlogThe Swedish city of Götene is selling land for development for pennies: who can save?
Settling in Sweden has become much easier, because the city of Göten sells plots of land at very low prices. The local authorities have already received many requests from applicants from different parts of the world. Find out what additional conditions and how to buy land
05 lip. 2024
More details2 min
PopularRanking of the most expensive cities in the world in 2024
The international consulting company Mercer has published a new annual Cost of Living City Ranking. Learn more about the ranking of the most expensive cities in the world for expats in 2024
08 lip. 2024
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.