As frustrations escalated during a recent protest in the city center, demonstrators aimed their grievances at both tourists and the city's management of tourism. They carried signs that read “Your AirBnB used to be my home,” signaling the pain felt by locals being priced out of their neighborhoods. Protesters are calling for measures to limit the number of tourists and regulate short-term rentals, asserting that while tourism is beneficial, it must be managed sustainably.
Among those suffering from the high-cost fallout was 80-year-old Pepi Viu, who recently lost her home and is struggling to find affordable accommodation, highlighting the plight of older residents in the face of rising rents. The demonstrators argue that the influx of tourists has led to a housing crisis, affecting locals across age groups and income levels.
The local government has announced plans to ban short-term rentals by 2028 in response to the ongoing pressure from residents. However, landlords like Jesus Pereda, who rent out tourist flats, feel they are being unfairly targeted despite the rising rents being largely attributed to other factors, such as remote workers moving into the city.
The protests have sparked debate on managing tourism in southern Europe, with cities like Barcelona battling to balance economic benefits with the quality of life for residents. The situation remains tense, with more complaints arising across Spain as summer approaches and tourist numbers are set to rise further.
Among those suffering from the high-cost fallout was 80-year-old Pepi Viu, who recently lost her home and is struggling to find affordable accommodation, highlighting the plight of older residents in the face of rising rents. The demonstrators argue that the influx of tourists has led to a housing crisis, affecting locals across age groups and income levels.
The local government has announced plans to ban short-term rentals by 2028 in response to the ongoing pressure from residents. However, landlords like Jesus Pereda, who rent out tourist flats, feel they are being unfairly targeted despite the rising rents being largely attributed to other factors, such as remote workers moving into the city.
The protests have sparked debate on managing tourism in southern Europe, with cities like Barcelona battling to balance economic benefits with the quality of life for residents. The situation remains tense, with more complaints arising across Spain as summer approaches and tourist numbers are set to rise further.
