Is Barcelona Turning Against Tourists? Why Locals Are Dousing Visitors With Water Guns

On July 6, a coalition of local organizations advocating for reduced tourism staged a protest, voicing concerns that mass tourism is driving up short-term housing costs and making city center apartments unaffordable for residents. This demonstration in Barcelona, part of a wider series of anti-tourism protests across Spain—including the Canary Islands, Malaga, the Balearic Islands, and Girona—gained international attention when a small group of protesters was filmed spraying unsuspecting tourists with water guns and symbolically sealing off hotel entrances and restaurant terraces with tape.

The incident was brief, and approximately 2,800 protesters proceeded with their march without further incidents involving tourists. The videos quickly went viral, prompting many potential travelers to express safety concerns about visiting Barcelona on social media. While overtourism is a significant issue for some locals, the targeted actions against tourists were condemned by the local government and do not represent the views of the majority.

Pablo Martínez, a native of Catalonia working in public relations, understands the frustration behind the protest but firmly disagrees with the methods used. "Spraying tourists with water guns may attract attention, but it risks tarnishing our city’s image," he stated. "Engaging in constructive dialogue would be a more effective way to tackle these issues."

In the aftermath of the protest, city officials reaffirmed their recent proposals to address overtourism, including Mayor Jaime Collboni’s initiative to revoke all short-term rental licenses by 2028 to provide new housing for locals, ban cruise ships from docking in the city center, and raise tourism taxes from 3.25 euros to 4 euros (US$4) per person per day, expected to generate 115 million euros for the city by year’s end.

Although the number of overnight hotel bookings in 2023 did not reach pre-pandemic levels, the city set records for tourist spending. As reported by the Observatori del Turisme a Barcelona, the city and its surrounding area generated 12.75 billion euros (US$13.8 billion) in revenue last year. This is 14.7 percent higher than in 2019. Given this success, why are some local groups advocating for a significant reduction in tourism?

Residents questioning the benefits they receive from tourism revenue

Anna Caravaca, a sales director and lifelong Barcelona resident, believes that the issue of how locals benefit from tourism revenue lies at the heart of many frustrations and protests. "How is public money being allocated, and what kind of grants and support are available [for residents]?" she inquired.

In addition to housing challenges, many locals are increasingly worried about the impact of mass tourism on the environment and overall quality of life.

"From what I've heard in conversations around me, the major challenges of overtourism include rising housing costs, noise pollution, littering, and sustainability concerns such as water shortages and ocean pollution," Caravaca stated.

Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turistic (ABDT), the organization that spearheaded the recent protest, released a manifesto outlining additional reasons they believe tourism should be significantly curtailed, such as the gentrification of residential areas and the prevalence of low-wage jobs in hospitality.

Consistently ranked among the most visited cities in Europe, Barcelona attracted 16.1 million tourists in the first quarter of this year. The Statistical Institute of Catalonia forecasts that this trend will persist; in May alone, 2 million visitors arrived, marking a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year.

"The city feels more congested with tourists than ever, especially in popular districts and during significant events," remarked Sergio Campano, a long-time resident and sustainable business consultant. "Tourism is a vital component of Barcelona’s economy. Instead of pushing for its elimination, most locals desire a more balanced approach that reduces the adverse effects of mass tourism."

Insights from visitors to Barcelona

Tourists are also becoming increasingly aware of the effects of high visitor numbers on the city.

Jessica Van Dop DeJesus, an American residing in Brussels since 2021, frequently visits the city. "It doesn't seem possible to just walk into a restaurant anymore without a reservation," she remarked.

Accommodation costs are also climbing. "In the past, we could book a boutique hotel for 115 euros [US$125] per night," she noted. "Last August, our best option was a decent place on the outskirts for 200 euros [US$218] a night."

Jill Schildhouse, a resident of Arizona, returned to Barcelona in May after more than a decade, visiting with her father, Howard. "The crowds around the major attractions felt particularly overwhelming compared to my last visit," she shared.

"Despite that, every local we met was warm and welcoming. I felt safe and would definitely come back. It's an amazing city with endless sights, activities, and delicious food!" Schildhouse expressed.

First-time travelers Nikki San Pedro and JJ Habenicht are set to travel to Barcelona from Los Angeles with San Pedro’s mother and aunt, planning to rent a short-term apartment. She worries more about petty crime targeting the less experienced older ladies while they explore on their own than about staying in an Airbnb.

"I empathize with the protesters, as I've heard locals often struggle to enjoy their own [public spaces] because of the demands of mass tourism. I aim to be [mindful] and respectful so as not to contribute to that issue," stated San Pedro.

A way forward for sustainable tourism in Barcelona

In response, the city has allocated 400,000 euros for a 10-point responsible tourism campaign designed to remind visitors of the city's cohabitation "rules." These include polite requests displayed on vibrant placards in high-traffic areas such as public transport hubs and airports, urging tourists to use water wisely, maintain quiet at night, and dispose of trash properly. Launched in June, it's still too early to assess visitor reactions to the campaign.

While ABDT believes that simply banning short-term rentals won't sufficiently address overtourism, a 2023 Barcelona City Council survey shows that most residents view tourism as beneficial to the city.

"Increasing tourism taxes, promoting responsible tourism, and limiting the number of cruise ships could alleviate the burden while generating funds to enhance infrastructure," Martínez suggested. "However, it's essential to involve the local community in these discussions to develop a tourism model that embodies the spirit of our city and its residents."