In August 2024, Barcelona witnessed a series of protests as thousands of residents rallied against the overwhelming impact of mass tourism on the city.
The demonstrations, involving over 140 organizations, were centered around the theme “Enough, let’s put limits on tourism.” Protesters expressed their concerns that the influx of tourists is worsening social inequality, driving up housing costs, and contributing to environmental issues, making life increasingly difficult for locals.
During these protests, some activists took direct action, such as using water guns to spray tourists dining at restaurants and symbolically “sealing off” hotels and eateries.
These acts reflect the deep frustration among residents who feel that tourism is overtaking their city, pushing out local communities, and diminishing their quality of life.
This movement in Barcelona is part of a broader wave of anti-tourism protests occurring across other popular destinations in Spain, including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, as locals in these areas also demand stronger measures to manage the negative impacts of tourism.
