- Mar 13, 2024
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Residents of Spain and other popular European tourist hotspots have recently voiced their frustration over mass tourism, claiming it has driven up housing prices and displaced locals.
Protests erupted in cities like Barcelona and Mallorca, Spain, as well as Venice, Italy, and Lisbon, Portugal, where activists used water guns as a playful protest tool on June 15th.
Thousands rallied in Mallorca—the largest protest of the day—while hundreds gathered in Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon. The water guns, used by some as a light-hearted gesture, have become a symbol of their cause, as explained by Andreu Martínez in Barcelona. "The goal is to reclaim the city for its residents."
Despite the playful nature of the water guns, the protests highlight serious concerns over the impact of vacation rental properties like Airbnb on housing costs. Last year, Spain attracted 94 million tourists, nearly doubling its population of 48 million residents, which has heightened tensions.
In response, the Spanish government has upheld a decision to block around 66,000 Airbnb listings that violated local regulations, seeking to mitigate the housing crisis exacerbated by record tourist numbers.
It's a heated topic with valid arguments on both sides. Do you think the protesters have a point, or do you believe tourism's benefits outweigh the downsides? Share your thoughts!
Protests erupted in cities like Barcelona and Mallorca, Spain, as well as Venice, Italy, and Lisbon, Portugal, where activists used water guns as a playful protest tool on June 15th.
Thousands rallied in Mallorca—the largest protest of the day—while hundreds gathered in Barcelona, Venice, and Lisbon. The water guns, used by some as a light-hearted gesture, have become a symbol of their cause, as explained by Andreu Martínez in Barcelona. "The goal is to reclaim the city for its residents."
Despite the playful nature of the water guns, the protests highlight serious concerns over the impact of vacation rental properties like Airbnb on housing costs. Last year, Spain attracted 94 million tourists, nearly doubling its population of 48 million residents, which has heightened tensions.
In response, the Spanish government has upheld a decision to block around 66,000 Airbnb listings that violated local regulations, seeking to mitigate the housing crisis exacerbated by record tourist numbers.
It's a heated topic with valid arguments on both sides. Do you think the protesters have a point, or do you believe tourism's benefits outweigh the downsides? Share your thoughts!
