The protest, which took place just a year after a similar rally in 2024, was marked by the use of water pistols, an unusual tool of protest that had gained popularity after its use in the previous demonstration. The protesters came out to voice their anger against what they view as the destructive consequences of tourism on Barcelona, a city that attracts millions of visitors each year. The group organizing the event, including the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourism Degrowth, hoped to disrupt what they see as an unbalanced tourism model that prioritizes the industry’s profit over the well-being of residents.
The protest began at Jardinets de Gràcia at 12:30 pm, albeit 30 minutes later than initially planned. Local authorities reported that around 600 people took part in the event, though the organizers claimed that the turnout was closer to 3,000 participants. The rally, despite its modest scale, had an undeniable impact, as it signaled the growing discontent with the consequences of overtourism, particularly in global cities like Barcelona.
Tensions flared during the protest as the march moved through the city. One of the key flashpoints occurred outside a popular hostel, which became a target for protesters armed with water pistols, stickers, and tape. An altercation ensued between protesters and a hostel staff member, resulting in a brief scuffle. In another act of defiance, the Louis Vuitton store on Passeig de Gràcia was targeted with both water pistols and smoke bombs, emblematic of the protest’s focus on luxury tourism and its negative impact on the local economy and culture.
Despite the disruptions, the protest continued on its course, with police allowing the rally to move forward after a brief delay near the Sagrada FamÃÂlia, one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks. The protest eventually concluded near the iconic basilica, where the crowds dispersed peacefully.
The rally was not only about opposing the excesses of the tourism industry but also focused on the plight of workers in the sector. Migrant workers and labor groups, such as the Kellys (a collective of hotel cleaners), took center stage, highlighting the difficult working conditions and low wages faced by many individuals working in the tourism industry. Top Manta street vendors, who face exploitation and unfair working conditions, also participated in the march, underscoring the broader societal issues tied to mass tourism.
Before the protest, the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourism Degrowth had already voiced strong concerns about the exploitation of workers within the tourism industry. One of the organizers described the situation as one in which workers in the sector are subjected to some of the worst working conditions and salaries, with little regard for their well-being.
The housing crisis in Barcelona, exacerbated by the influx of tourists, was another key issue raised during the demonstration. Protesters pointed to the way that short-term rental platforms and an over-saturated tourism market have driven up rent prices, making it increasingly difficult for locals to afford to live in their own neighborhoods.
The protest in Barcelona was part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Spain. Similar rallies took place in cities like Ibiza, Donostia-San Sebastián, Palma, Granada, and the Pyrenees. Internationally, protests were also held in cities such as Lisbon, Portugal, and various locations in Italy, showing the widespread opposition to the effects of mass tourism on local communities.
In conclusion, the anti-tourism protest in Barcelona serves as a powerful reminder of the growing discontent over the social, economic, and environmental toll that tourism can impose on urban spaces. While the protestors’ messages and methods were diverse, the common thread remained clear: a call for more responsible and sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of residents, workers, and the environment.
