Protesters in Barcelona have taken to using water guns to target tourists as part of mass demonstrations against the influx of visitors to the city.
The protests, reminiscent of Thailand’s Songkran Festival, saw water-filled weapons fired at tourists perceived as contributing to the city’s overcrowding.
The protesters also taped up hotel exits to prevent guests from leaving, adding to the tension.
Thousands participated in the rally against mass tourism, highlighting concerns over the rising cost of housing, rents, and goods in Barcelona. The Catalan capital welcomed over 12 million tourists in 2023 and anticipates even more in 2024.
Locals blame the increasing tourism for the escalating costs and have also expressed anger towards tourists amid Spain’s severe water shortages exacerbated by climate change.
This summer has seen a wave of protests across Spain, including in the Balearic Islands, where residents demanded more sustainable tourism.
Demonstrators in Menorca and Majorca marched to call for controlled tourism.
Last week, the Spanish government announced measures to regulate short-term and seasonal holiday rentals. They plan to verify listings on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to ensure compliance with local laws.
The property website Idealista reported that rents increased by an average of 13% in June compared to the previous year, with tourist cities like Barcelona and Madrid seeing an 18% rise.
Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, has announced a plan to phase out all short-term rentals by 2028.
Tourism apartment owners have criticized these proposals, while Spain’s Constitutional Court is reviewing their legality. Water shortages remain a critical issue, with many regions in Spain, including southern Europe, struggling with drought conditions and water use restrictions.
Heatwaves have added to the challenges, leading to situations like Capri turning away guests due to inadequate water supply for basic needs.
As tensions over tourism continue, Barcelona’s water gun protests signal a growing frustration among locals seeking more sustainable and manageable tourism practices.
