Protests took place, among others in Barcelona, Grenada, San Sebastian and in Majorca, the largest island of Baleari. According to people who went out into the street, the mass influx of tourists has a negative impact on the quality of their lives, including by raising costs and postponing city centers.
Another such protest against tourists
Just like during loud protests a year ago, the inhabitants of Barcelona They took water pistols against tourists.
In 2024, a record number of 94 million foreign tourists came to Spain. Among them were almost 2.5 million Poles, also the most in history. Barcelona itself, which has 1.6 million inhabitants, attracted 26 million tourists last year. 15 percent The city's GDP comes from tourism. This sector is responsible for 12 percent. GDP of all of Spain.
In Catalonia Actions against mass tourism are also taken by regional authorities. In autumn, a new tourist tax is to come into force, which in Barcelona, the capital of the region, can be up to 15 euros per night. In turn, the mayor of Barcelona Jaume Collboni previously announced a closing plan by 2028 by all short -term rentals, which was criticized by the hotel industry.
Similar demonstrations took place on Sunday in Italy – in Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Milan and Venice, as well as in Portugal, including in the capital – Lisbon.
