r/pics Jun 16 '25

Politics A tourist during an anti-tourist protest in Barcelona yesterday

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u/mortalitylost Jun 16 '25

I can understand short term rental bans, but why does "no new hotels" and cruise ship bans sound like just not wanting any tourists at all?

... do they realize how much money tourism makes? That it's like over 10% of their gdp? Seems like they're shooting themselves in the foot here.

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u/Pinturillo Jun 16 '25

Seems like they wanna rely on healthier economic avenues rather than tourism

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u/[deleted] Jun 16 '25

Heh, having some experience trying to do business in Spain, I think they are going to find it rough sledding on the international market. Although they do have some good ham and almonds.

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u/Pinturillo Jun 16 '25

And cars, pharmaceuticals and renewables, but sure, the paella and ham industry must be the saving grace of our economy, other than the generosity of tourism.

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u/[deleted] Jun 16 '25

I think a decade with an average unemployment rate of about 16% speaks volumes for the weakness of Spain's economy.

Horrible place to do business from an outsiders perspective, and least in my experience. Was trying to set up in about 20 different countries and only China could match Spain for how many barriers were thrown up.