Activists in Southern Europe Protest Overtourism with Water Gun Demonstrations
Activists in southern Europe, particularly Barcelona, are protesting overtourism by targeting tourists with water guns, advocating for a reduction in tourism's impact on local communities.
Overview
- Activists in southern Europe, especially in Barcelona, are protesting against overtourism.
- The demonstrations involve shooting water guns at tourists to draw attention to the issue.
- Protesters aim to promote the concept of degrowth in the tourism sector.
- Barcelona, a popular tourist destination, has been a focal point for these protests.
- The movement highlights concerns over housing costs and the impact of mass tourism on local communities.
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Analysis
Emphasizes protests against overtourism in Barcelona, highlighting the impact on local communities and housing.
Protests against overtourism in southern Europe began with a successful rally organized by a fringe left-wing activist group in Barcelona last July.
Barcelona attracted 15.5 million visitors last year, with a thousand people marching towards La Sagrada Familia church before being stopped by police.
Articles (3)
Center (2)
"…Residents in Spain and several other popular destinations in Europe protested against mass tourism Sunday, saying a flood of summer visitors is driving up housing costs in their cities and pushing out locals."
CBS News·21d·"…The humble water gun — the cheap, squirt-squirt variety — has become the weapon of choice and symbol of Spain's anti-tourism protests."
ABC News·21d·FAQ
Overtourism in Barcelona drives up housing costs and reduces availability for local residents, with rents rising 68% over the past decade. Many residents are forced to move to cheaper or lower-quality accommodations as demand for tourist rentals outpaces supply.
Barcelona City Council has announced plans to revoke all 10,000 tourist apartment licenses by 2028, increased the tourist tax (with plans for further hikes), and closed its northern cruise port terminal to keep cruise ships away from the city center.
Residents and activist groups, including the 'Sindicat de Llogateres' and 'Zeroport', are organizing ongoing demonstrations and denouncing city officials for not addressing their demands. Despite delivering 13 proposals to the Barcelona City Council, organizers claim none have been met.
Barcelona welcomed over 15 million tourists in 2024, placing it among the top five most-visited cities in Europe. Overcrowding affects public infrastructure—over 40 metro stations and a third of bus stops, as well as 60% of city block interiors and 50% of historic parks are impacted.
Key organizations involved include the 'Sindicat de Llogateres' (Tenants' Union), the 'Zeroport' platform (opposing airport expansion), and the Neighbourhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth, all advocating for policy changes to reduce tourism’s negative impact on local communities.
History
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