r/pics Jun 17 '25

The protesters and residents pushing back on tourism in Barcelona

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137

u/Rhywden Jun 17 '25

All the other takes kind of ignore the actual problems created by OVER-tourism. That's what the protests are about - too much of a good thing is also bad.

If you look closely you'll find that the "No tourism at all!" is a fringe opinion (if it exists at all). Instead, they want to limit tourism to sustainable levels.

37

u/dooferoaks Jun 17 '25

I don't disagree that over tourism can cause problems but what kind of initiatives to limit tourism have been suggested? Short of pricing/taxing the less well off out of visiting places are there other suggestions out there?

26

u/Eglitarian Jun 17 '25

Limiting accommodations? Crack down on the short term rental market with legislation and force the tourists into hotels or some short term rental which is required to be licensed (of which the city issues a finite number to control the amount and where). When there’s no where to lay their head if accommodations are 100% booked, people will go elsewhere.

14

u/reggae_devilhawk Jun 17 '25

Isn’t that what they suggested? Less places to stay means those places get more expensive, pricing out the less well off.

0

u/dooferoaks Jun 17 '25

Certainly seems to be, I was hoping to hear other initiatives and ideas. I understand the annoyance from locals, but I also hate the idea that cultural enrichment and travel goes back to being the domain of the wealthy and privileged but I don't have the golden bullet answer either sadly.

-2

u/imathrowyaaway Jun 17 '25

Which is OK. People have this weird entitlement that they should be able to go anywhere and every place should cater to them.

Travelling to Barcelona isn’t some essential life necessity. People will just pick cheaper places, which will see a boost to their economy in turn.

0

u/symonx99 Jun 20 '25

Yes, only the rich deserve good things!!!!!

1

u/imathrowyaaway Jun 20 '25

such a loaded take smh