Protests are continuing in Barcelona, Spain. More than 150 social movements took to the streets of the city demanding tough measures to combat excessive tourism. Learn more about how mass protests can affect tourists
A major protest against mass tourism and its negative impact on the city took place in Barcelona. Under the slogan “Enough is enough! Let’s limit tourism” about 2,800 people marched along the waterfront, calling for a new economic model.
The protesters demanded to reduce the number of tourists who come to the city every year. They carried placards with the words “Reduce tourism immediately!”and they chanted slogans like “Tourists get out of our neighborhood” while stopping in front of hotels. Currently, the largest number of tourists arrive in Barcelona from Germany, France and the United Kingdom.
Are you planning a trip or moving abroad? An important component of a successful trip is an 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 trusted agents on the Visit World portal.
How can mass protests affect tourism in Barcelona?
Thousands of residents Armed with water pistols, Barcelona took to the streets of the main tourist areas of the city, holding a large-scale protest against mass tourism. Locals in the city center chanted “Tourists, go home” and held placards reading “Enough is enough! Let’s limit tourism.” Some protesters even doused 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 solve the problem of the high cost of living. Over the past 10 years, rents in Barcelona have increased by 68%, and the cost of buying houses has increased by 38%. Representative of the Neighborhood Association The Gothic Quarter and activist against excessive tourism, Marty Cuzo, noted: “We want the economic model of the city to give priority to other, much more equitable economies. And to do this, we believe that we need to reduce tourism.”
Now tourism provides 14% of Barcelona’s GDP and provides more than 150,000 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 come into force only after five years. It is obvious that the protesters are not ready to wait that long and demand immediate changes.
For a safe move, travel or employment in a new country, you will need travel insurance. An extended policy can be issued on our website at the link.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Travel guide for 200 countries of the world;
Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;
Travel insurance worldwide (to receive services, select the country and citizenship you are interested in);
Medical insurance worldwide.
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish