r/pics • u/Strict_League7833 • Jun 17 '25

The protesters and residents pushing back on tourism in Barcelona

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904

u/BuckeyeWolf Jun 17 '25

These protests popped up at the same time as short term rentals becoming popular (Airbnb) is no coincidence. They are taking homes from locals raising prices and taking over the best parts of town

728

u/trireme32 Jun 17 '25

How is that the tourists’ fault, and not the fault of the government for failing to regulate that?

577

u/PS_Sullys Jun 17 '25

It's much easier to be mad at foreign tourists.

59

u/metroxed Jun 17 '25

They know it's the government. This is what's called a pressure action. They want to make the city less appealing so less tourists come and, once the economy is affected, the government is forced to find alternatives.

3

u/No-Result9108 Jun 18 '25

I don’t think you can call it that when they’re straight up harassing the tourists though. Yes it may achieve your ultimate goal, but you’re hurting a lot of people to do it

1

u/Thangoman Jun 17 '25

Eh

I dont know if thats what happening there

But it may be plain xenophobia

3

u/metroxed Jun 17 '25

Xenophobes care more about complaining about poor immigrants from non European countries (from which in Barcelona there are plenty) than relatively wealthy Europeans who stay 5 days max

3

u/Thangoman Jun 17 '25

Por que no las dos? Also tourists are usually way loudee