Protests took place, among others in Barcelona, Grenada, San Sebastian and Majorca, the largest island of Balearia. 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.
As during loud protests a year ago, the inhabitants of Barcelona took with them 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, regional authorities also take action against mass tourism. 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.
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Similar demonstrations took place on Sunday in Italy – including in Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Milan and Venice, as well as in Portugal, including in the capital – Lisbon.
