Tourism in Barcelona Sparks Controversy Amidst Protests

Spain's tourism minister criticized the actions of protesters who attacked Barcelona tourists, indicating it does not reflect Spain's hospitality. Protests have increased over issues like rising housing costs. Former Mayor Jordi Hereu called for tourism regulation to offer sustainable solutions. Measures include limiting short-term rentals and raising tourism taxes.

Spain's tourism minister condemned the actions of a small group of protesters who sprayed visitors to Barcelona with water pistols last weekend, emphasizing on Thursday that they did not represent the country's culture of hospitality. The demonstrators, protesting against the effects of mass tourism, marched through the city chanting slogans like 'tourists go home'. A minor group identified as foreign tourists was spritzed with water guns, as reported by Reuters video footage.

Jordi Hereu, Barcelona's former mayor, addressed the media, describing the actions as reprehensible but criticized the international media for exaggerating the incident. Increasing protests by anti-tourism activists in Barcelona and other coastal locations like Palma de Mallorca and Malaga point to issues such as increased housing costs pushing residents out of city centers.

Calling for sustainable tourism, Hereu highlighted the need for regulation and diversification in the sector, suggesting measures such as improving job quality and profit redistribution. The Assembly of Neighbourhoods for Tourism Degrowth, which organized the recent protests, advocates for higher tourism taxes, a reduction in cruise terminals, and a cap on short-term tourist accommodation. Last month, Barcelona's mayor declared that the city will ban apartment rentals to tourists by 2028 to address rising housing costs. Other measures may include capping hotel room numbers, though this depends on local and regional authorities.

In 2022, Barcelona saw approximately 26 million visitors in contrast to its 1.7 million residents. The tourism ministry anticipates a 13% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals between July and September.