Hundreds rally in Barcelona to protest mass tourism, its social impact

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Barcelona, Spain, to voice their frustration over the intensifying effects of mass tourism, rallying under the slogan: "Tourism steals our bread, homes, and future."

The protest, marked by the symbolic use of water pistols, drew significant international media attention, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Protesters marched through the city’s central districts, replicating a tactic used during a similar rally last summer that made global headlines after tourists were targeted with water pistols.

Organized by the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourism Degrowth, the demonstration aimed to “disrupt the tourism status quo.” Daniel Pardo Rivacoba, a member of the Assembly, had encouraged demonstrators to bring water pistols, which he described as “a popular symbol of resistance against the plundering of the tourism monoculture.” Pardo further stated that the tourism industry “is incompatible with life” and demanded “tourism degrowth now.”

The march began from Jardinets de Gràcia shortly after 12:30 p.m., with attendance figures contested—Barcelona police estimated around 600 participants, while organizers claimed as many as 3,000.

Tensions briefly flared outside a local hostel when protesters targeted it with water pistols, tape, and protest stickers, leading to an altercation with staff that included pushing and shoving. The luxury Louis Vuitton store on Passeig de Gràcia was also doused with water pistols and hit with smoke bombs.

The rally saw strong representation from labor groups, including migrant workers and hotel cleaning staff, such as the Top Manta street vendors and the Kellys, many of whom work in precarious conditions within the tourism sector.

Prior to the protest, Pardo had warned that the tourism industry “subjects the people who work in it to the worst working and salary conditions.” He also cited the worsening housing crisis as one of mass tourism’s most harmful consequences for local residents.

In addition to criticizing tourism’s strain on labor and housing, demonstrators voiced opposition to plans to expand Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Ariadna Cotèn, spokesperson for the climate justice group Zeroport, stressed that the protest’s message was directed at political leaders rather than individual tourists. “Tourists are not really to blame for this situation happening in Barcelona,” she said before the rally.

Nonetheless, many of the chants and signs at the protest directly addressed visitors. Placards read, “One more tourist, one less neighbor” and, in English, “Tourist, go home.”

The Barcelona rally was part of a broader wave of anti-overtourism demonstrations held across Spain and southern Europe. Protests were also reported in Ibiza (Eivissa), Donostia-San Sebastián, Palma, Granada, and the Pyrenees, as well as in Lisbon and several Italian cities. 

By Vafa Guliyeva