Behind Barcelona's fight against overtourism | DW News

Barcelona attracts millions of tourists every year. Hotel prices are rising and thousands of apartments are only rented to tourists. The city is trying to counteract this. But the America‘s Cup is likely to only make the city even more attractive.
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[@user-mz7de3kc3d]

So far this summer there’s been 3 music festivals, F1 tournament and other major events. Why host them if you don’t want tourists?

[@mimimi3440]

So true !!!!!

[@user-mz7de3kc3d]

@@mimimi3440the whole thing is just not adding up…

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

Music festivals aren't just for tourists you know...they are for the residents

[@julianfernando19]

Eles não querem turistas pobres.

[@zackysh_]

Welcome to the efficient spanish inaction around tourism, speculation and rental housing regulations

[@davidmaisel8062]

I love Barcelona. It's a beautiful city. The bigger issue is real estate speculation and lack of affordable housing for Catalonians.

[@nunyabidness3075]

So, basically, you’re being racist and marxist and thinking you are being virtuous? Really? I know this sounds mean, but hopefully it snaps you out of your thinking. I don’t know your city well, but I know many others. Your government is likely causing most of your problems, and doing it because the people approve without connecting the policies with the results. Too many Airbnb’s are a result of too much tax and regulation on hospitality businesses. Too much tourism is often a result of too much spending and subsidies on tourism. Unaffordable housing means you likely have too many housing regulations, zoning, subsidy for ownership, etc. I’m afraid the USA has been letting everyone down. We are supposed to be an example of freedom and equality and free markets, but for over a century, we’ve been slowly turning into a mixed economy with a huge central government. We’ve been living off advantages from after WW2 for decades, so we’ve been faking it all.

[@ghosthdel3098]

You cant have both. Humans are greedy, unless you/ your family or friends are affected you will not care wether you are the politicians or an indepenent landlord. If you have money it is good, you can create life with money and you cn also end lives with money - it is the best ever instruments created by humans. Do yoou like money?

[@davidmaisel8062]

@@ghosthdel3098 I don't like not having money but I could live with having to stay in a hotel on vacation. Probably, most people could live with that too. It's a far better option than being hated by the people who live in the place I love to visit.

[@jpg6113]

Don't forget African crime and rape which really is a problem in all of Europe

[@richatlarge462]

@@jpg6113 But in Barcelona you also get pickpocketing by "the Romani people" lol.

[@limeyprat]

I live in a tourism town. Crowds can be understandable. Short-term rentals make life unaffordable for the local. It needs to be strictly limited.

[@professionaltaxevader4638]

True, also it strips national life from the streets. Cafes for locals become brunches for tourists and any utility shop disappears.

[@eldebtor6973]

move

[@dx-ek4vr]

With how many stories I'm hearing of places getting overtouristed, it seems like the only places that are _not_ getting too many tourists are literal warzones

[@richatlarge462]

That's correct. All the local government needs to do is limit the private short-term rentals to non-citizens, and the rest will take care of itself, in terms of a local market rate for housing.

[@mtawali13]

"Not enough rich people for everyone" I didn't expect to hear such a sentence in my life

[@eliotness4029]

"Not enough rich people for everyone" wasting money on each step

[@Gruffydom]

Not enough rich husbands for women either.

[@eliotness4029]

@@Gruffydom Not enough rich husbands for each and every women in Spain

[@ANTheWhizkid]

That’s not what he said. You completely misunderstood it.

[@Haderva]

If everyone was rich overcrowding would not be a problem due to being able to afford better options.

[@nokaton]

I mean, is it the fault of the tourists who just want to make a visit, or the local authorities who fail miserably to manage the whole situation? Who is responsible for this problem, the tourists or the local gov? Protesting against the tourists instead of the gov makes no sense.

[@daikucoffee5316]

They probably expect the government to act on their behalf but the money from tourism convinces them otherwise

[@nokaton]

@@daikucoffee5316 Still makes no sense to project the anger towards the tourists instead of the gov itself.

[@GTA5Player1]

Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I mean, there's a reason that old guy kept repeating: "It's complicated"

[@delta_glider4362]

@@nokaton>Still makes no sense to project the anger towards the tourists instead of the gov itself. It's easier and much safer (and requare no actual work on the problem). 🤐

[@trartalacrem]

And In Barcelona there is a huge structural problem with "immobiliarias", real mafias, that own too much houses and ground and speculate. Tourists are just the top of the iceberg.

[@hahn310]

Stop using AirBNB and other places meant for residents and get a hotel instead. So glad my city outlawed AirBNB.

[@AyaaAcademia]

also at this point, with AirBNB prices being as high or even higher than hotel + the need to do chores, it makes no sense to opt for them over a full-service hotel tbh

[@bp8220]

@@AyaaAcademia I'll use it on off cases, like if its a spare room in a flat with someone who owns it or belonging to a local who meets you there and doesn't have 50+ other properties. Also for high price locations like Nice France, where hotels charge a lot just because they can due to the prestige of it and not be of that actual value. Not paying $2000 for a week for a shoebox and 25$ for eggs and a croissant in the morning when I can get a whole apartment for half that with kitchenette and washer and basically just don't leave a mess and take out the trash at the end of the week? An Airbnb owner individually isn't the problem, but corporate owners with dozens or hundreds of properties in one city, Foreign investors that own luxury condos that stay empty just as a means to own an asset they can leverage against to borrow more money and buy more assets, and also sprinkle in a little zoning bureaucracy.

[@TonyYayo-vz9ri]

Nah imma keep using it, stay mad brokie 🤡

[@GTA5Player1]

How about no?

[@delta_glider4362]

@@AyaaAcademia it still make sence if hotels are all booked off or too far away from point you want. 🤷‍♀

[@pineyi]

Don’t be angry at tourists, be angry at your government for making millions on tourist tax yet do nothing to help the locals.

[@Joe-cb6ex]

Nah, we can be angry at both. And the businesses that run the tourist industry, as well.

[@DRHOLEEFOOK]

​@@Joe-cb6exGovernment is by far the bigger issue. Don't blame people for wanting to go to the beach one week of the year they don't have to work.

[@Joe-cb6ex]

@@DRHOLEEFOOK If you, as a tourist, are aware of the issue, as many are, you’re also to blame. I understand many are ignorant of it, but many aren’t, and simply don’t care

[@kindlyignore]

@@Joe-cb6exdude. No one is aware of problems in your country, we are barely aware of all the problems in our own countries. People work hard and treat themselves to a few days away somewhere warm. That’s it! You think rich people go to Barcelona and stay in Airbnbs? Talk about useless anger.

[@Joe-cb6ex]

@@kindlyignore Your ignorance isn’t my problem. If you’re going to take the time to organize a trip, read up about the place you’re going to.

[@presbiteroo]

I was pushed out of my country, Portugal, because of tourism. I totally get them. I just couldn't afford the housing market anymore as a doctorate student. They treat tourists better than the locals, I'm not going back.

[@75THRANGER1]

Sounds like you need a better degree

[@tomadevil1]

It is not the problem of Portugal only. Austria is overwhelmed with tourists too. The prices are like in Switzerland, salaries are low

[@RichardUpstanding]

Tourism is the distraction that governments use to hide their shortcomings. In most of these countries the issue is lack of housing and infrastructure for the local population, but by blaming the tourists the government can avoid blame. Unfortunately in the long term that will also mean less income and jobs for local people if tourism slows.

[@tomstarwalker]

You can afford, but you were a PhD student. 😂

[@marcialabrahantes3369]

​that is the entire west if you don't have a specialized STEM degree it seems :( ​@@tomadevil1

[@Bxgent1988]

I don’t think it’s the tourist fault for wanting to visit a Country. I don’t understand how that has to do with Tourism being the problem instead of government at fault? I’m confuse. You put the blame on tourist because government isn’t listening to you. That’s a government problem not a tourist.

[@Joe-cb6ex]

They’re both at fault, especially of the tourists know they’re causing a problem.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

This is the same country that complained of lack of tourists during Pandemic

[@sophiedong7481]

Yeah, they just talk a lot 🙃

[@johnc3525]

Yeah, because the pandemic was then and this is now. Duh.

[@malahammer]

No they didn't.

[@drewbranch7700]

@@sophiedong7481Sophie,they do talk a lot!

[@MP-ir6ic]

We want sustainable tourism, not drunk party people tourism like what we get. It only makes prices go up and creates problems

[@jensonee]

i think i'll just stay home. everywhere that's interesting is crowded and expensive.

[@Invisiblewiz]

Get creative and explore alternative destinations.

[@cincogus]

Same

[@hlvr123]

There's literally millions of places on Earth that are not crowded and expensive.

[@hristohristov3026]

⁠@@hlvr123yes, and also not interesting

[@GTA5Player1]

Even when travelling to popular destinations, you can always follow certain tips to avoid the worst crowds!

[@MickyAvStickyHands]

If you've ever been to the tourist zones of Barcelona, you too will be surprised that they found so many people for this video who actually speak Spanish.

[@noodleppoodle]

They fight overtourism by being rude, offering the worst service anywhere you go. Barcelona you won, you are offering such a bad time I am never coming back

[@Adam-nw1vy]

Nothing worse than giving money to someone who treats you like ish.

[@patrickokeeffe539]

Yes went there to meet a family member. We were both in Spain and Barcelona was a half way point. We couldn’t wait to leave.

[@MrCanalon]

Tell your family and friends please!

[@patrickokeeffe539]

@@seansean2929 Do not worry, you just just have to visited once to know it is a very unwelcoming place.

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

Great please stay away

[@mike8055]

Tourism is a double edged sword. Good for businesses but bad for local residents. 😁

[@johnc3525]

That's why a balance is needed. The problem isn't tourism, it's over-tourism.

[@TStadiumhopper]

Barcelona: Fight against overtourism ✅ Fight against pickpocket ❌

[@leoni7649]

pickpickets are there for turists, so reducing one will reduce the other too (partially).

[@gargoyle7863]

Pickpocketing is fighting against tourism. 🤣

[@felipepipi1780]

@@gargoyle7863 more pickpocket please

[@jgp1294]

US: Fighting against women’s right to choose ✅ Fighting against guns killing children ❌

[@Fiorellandia]

Barcelona is fighting neither.

[@user-cz2pe2mo2j]

the money from the tourists should be distributed to the locals

[@ryss1]

How is it not :DD

[@delta_glider4362]

Usually tourist's attraction points on federal budget. So do locals would pay full price for it maitance and repair too then?

[@claudiocerezo1644]

Communist?

[@SurfLouco]

If a local has an airbnb, it goes to the local. If a local has a restaurant, it goes to the local. If a local makes experiences related to tourism (Sightseeing, photography, surf lessons), it goes to the local. Stop being a cry baby and go do something to make money, don't expect the government to give it to you. This is the problem with "European" mentality. The state is the daddy, everybody looking for a handout.

[@felipepipi1780]

@@ryss1 It just doesn't. Tourism benefits only a sector of a society. I live in a city that has been hostage of European tourism for almost two decades now. It is just terrible to live here. The only happy locals are those who own restaurants and airbnbs, and many of those are even locals or nationals.

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

The residents are not the problem. The problem is that people who come to this city dont respect it. Pissing on the streets, shouting at 4 am, leaving trash on the beaches, i live here and its unbearable. And i have lived in London and Amsterdam and never felt the suffocation i do here from the tourism. Its horrible. Sick of the bachelor parties, people literally act like they just got out of prison when they come here.

[@nir4a]

People pee on the streets mostly because lack of sufficient number of free public toilets. Don’t spit into the well you a drinking from. Tourism is the bread and butter of Barcelona

[@coriolan1963]

What a sad situation! My mother had her apartment in Tres Torres, so she never felt that problem, but that area has become horribly expensive now.

[@RyrienaHoustonBorn]

What’s sad is my mom would have yelled at me if we didn’t respect someone’s else’s home or city like we do ours. She was like god made us to look after every part of this earth not just one place that means don’t litter etc. Be grateful that you’re here in a place like Barcelona and keep it like it is for others to enjoy.

[@luzojeda6030]

I felt the same in Amsterdam and guilty being another tourist no matter how behaved.

[@GTA5Player1]

Okay, so if u don't do those obviously problematic things, I'm Gucci. Good to know!

[@teeconsigliano7631]

same in Hawaii and Venice. they advertise to get tourists and want tourist $ but treat the tourists like outcasts while they're visiting. build a stronger economy outside of tourism. otherwise stop taking it out on tourists while you're taking their money

[@felipepipi1780]

Please let's not forget to condemn Ryanair.

[@johnc3525]

True. And overpopulation.

[@yveeriksson7437]

There were a lot of whining during covid because there were no tourists. Cafés, restaurants etc went bankrupt. They demanded the borders to open, so the money/tourist would come back. Now? Just send us your money, but stay away. Right? Don't blame the tourists when it's the local police and politicians who needs to step up.

[@Joe-cb6ex]

Businesses dependent on tourism bitched and moaned when there weren’t tourists. The locals didn’t. We were happy. We were glad to see the streets so quiet.

[@davidbekhs]

Actually the locals were extremely happy during covid, what are you talking about?

[@NomadicIslanders]

@@davidbekhsyea the locals are usually happy while the country to literally going broke. Then they will be mad that there is no money for government funded things. You can’t have them both. You can’t have zero tourism but still expect your country to have the influx of money to fund your healthcare and subsidize your industries so prices on things like groceries can be affordable for you.

[@Fiorellandia]

I blame the tourist for how they behave.

[@misschicka2831]

They think the tax revenue is going to cover everything and that the government will immediately hand out handouts in an economic downturn.. Oh, oh Spaniards. That's not how any economy works! 😏🤣🤣

[@risinbison1106]

I visit Europe in the winter, never had to wait in line. I want a beach, I go to Florida.

[@AbraXas-bi9ux]

winter is high season only in the alps and partially in the nordics..try it out in sommer and you will experience a different drama

[@75THRANGER1]

Or you can visit less touristy places… turkey, is a prime example 😊

[@wilsan806]

​@@75THRANGER1 Istanbul and Ismir are both quite packed with tourists. Can't speak for other places, but I would imagine the capital was as well.

[@risinbison1106]

@@75THRANGER1 I’ve been to Turkey, amazing country! Istanbul, the ancient cites and the food, all a lifetime memory that I highly recommend. It’s hard to find places anymore that don’t have high tourist populations which is why I try to visit in the off months.

[@Just_another_Euro_dude]

Southern Europe as a WHOLE got beach lenghts like 20 Floridas dude. 😂😂😂😂😂 Literally ALL kinds of beaches exist in southern Europe. Sandy, rocky, beaches, long beaches, short beaches, famous beaches with a lot of people, less famous beaches with plenty of room, etc. Just avoid the hot spots and you will find fantastic half empty beach in southern Europe in no time at all. Southern Europe is 200 million people with a HUGE and VERY diverse coastline. Dumb for any European to go to Florida instead of the southern Europe. The trip alone is expensive. For others i don't know. Maybe it's better for Americans. For Europeans certainly NOT.

[@caravanlifenz]

We have a lot of problems with tourists in New Zealand. You'll often see people holding up signs like this protesting against tourism. The hotel chains get rich off tourists and that means more money for wealthy foreign families like the Hiltons, but New Zealanders make minimum wage serving food and drinks and so the people here struggle to pay their rent. As housing is used for AirBnbs and tourist accommodation, our living costs are so high here now. We have extreme disparity between rich and poor now.

[@PHlophe]

You meant to say the money stays in Pakeha hands and indigenous Maoris NZ are seeing a red cent . This is the real tea. If you've got to speak on it then go all the way in mate

[@ryanlijertwood6251]

When you have the theme park effect in countries where by you oversaturate a space, create paywalls to circumvent that overcrowding and then those profits do not trickle down, you know exactly who benefits.

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

Best approaches for tourism caps are three-fold: Auctioned permits, granted permits, and lottery permits. Auctioned permits pay the extra costs, granted permits keep attracting good people, and lottery permits let average people get their fair share.

[@HKspurs10]

They can do that for the canary islands but hard to implement for mainland cities like Barcelona. I would say a better way is a blanket goods and services tax. Then have a universal basic income scheme for poorer households

[@GTA5Player1]

What kind of permits? Permits to who?

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

@@GTA5Player1 Rooms? City attractions?

[@GTA5Player1]

@@dudermcdudeface3674 So you would tell hotels and site operators how many people they're allowed to let in? That's just annoying...

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

@@GTA5Player1 You already do. It's called fire codes.

[@iverwa]

Visiting Barcelona and other awesome cities around 30 Years a go my favored lodging was local pensionas driven by locals and eating in local tavernas with a distinct local flavor. Now property investors and food chains have squeezed out the locals, depriving them of the benefits and leaving them with even more downsides. No wonder people get fed up.

[@ammonioussaccas]

Oh well. It’ll be too hot there soon anyway.

[@fvanced]

So they can be tourists in other countries but other countries cant be tourist in their country? How about close your border so no tourist can come in but also close the border for their citizens to be tourist in other country.

[@UtopiaBanished]

Exactly!

[@houssem.khaled]

I live and work in Barcelona, people here are NOT against tourism but want to stop OVER-tourism. They want sustainable and cultural tourism vs cheap and mass tourism that is destroying beaches, turning neighborhoods into a giant open air party, and pushing rent prices up so much people are being forced out of the neighborhoods they were born and grew up in...

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

The problem is that the tourists that come here do not respect the city. Pissing on the streets, litering beaches, shouting at 4am ..its literally non stop.

[@bp8220]

Think they're mainly against British Stag party bros there for cheap beer and sex of questionable consent

[@shantanu.t]

A complex topic indeed! Good luck finding a wise solution Barcelona 🍀 I think you’re on to something.

[@BarcelonaMariaMafia]

I think the city is on drugs

[@tomstarwalker]

​@@BarcelonaMariaMafiacorrect, decriminalised cannabis, more than 10000 empty flats in the center alone and lots of room for expanding tourism along the railway line. Yet, no solution. Everyone just wants a cheap flat in Poblenou. 😂😂

[@thelonereed2765]

We welcome tourists in Greece as well every year. But you have to understand that a small country cannot be overwhelmed with 36 million people in just three months. The cost of living for locals is higher now and there’s no gain for us. We have to go on vacation in September even October because of this situation. We want tourism when it’s done responsibly. Enjoy your summer please try to respect all as they would respect you in your country if they visited. ❤

[@misschicka2831]

With all due respect, respect your comment would mean tourists not coming to respect the country of Greece. But would Greece get by without the income generated by tourism?

[@thelonereed2765]

@@misschicka2831 I see your point here. My comments aim was to send the message to the tourists that they can visit here even in May/ early June/ late September even October. Greece’s rising temperatures are a perfect opportunity for them to enjoy the sea and the sun plus lower prices in air and accommodation. This way they won’t all come here in July and August cause issues, overpay and pass out in the mountains while trekking. Since our government is greedy we the locals are trying to give out this message to the tourists. This way we all win. Happy summer. Visit Greece. I’ll take my holidays in Crete in October beautiful beaches.

[@refigee8752]

Are the local businesses also complaining about too many toursists?

[@YoutubeMarc722]

It’s not a problem of quantity but quality.

[@davidbekhs]

Cheap kebab restaurants are irrelevant

[@Goxilla]

@@KZbinMarc722 what do you mean by that?

[@NomadicIslanders]

Nope

[@NomadicIslanders]

@@KZbinMarc722so you want the rich tourist, like the ones in this same video who are attending the America’s Cup but also plan to buy up Barcelona properties and turn them into AirBnB? Those rich tourists? 😂 You all seem to forget that rich tourists are looking at investing, everywhere they go and not for the country’s gain or the benefit the locals but for THEIR gain. They are far worst than the tourist who visit for 3 days.

[@williamtell5365]

One day, no tourists will be there. And the city will be poorer from it.

[@bvbxiong5791]

yup. be careful what you wish for.

[@siarnaqfrost4968]

they can't have the cake and eat it too. money is money. if they want it, sacrifices must be made.

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

The city will be just fine.

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

​@siarnaqfrost4968 sorry but I won't sacrifice my city by allowing people to come here and treat it like a garbage disposal

[@berlinerjung5304]

same happened to Mallorca

[@ph11p3540]

So glad I live in Canada where most of our natural treasures are not over crowded.

[@BluffyMoo]

You're fortunate at the moment due to the large vast open spaces there in Canada unlike large crowded, vibrant, and historical European cities. It's only a matter of time before larger Canadian cities go that route. Toronto and Vancouver these days have changed drastically compared to just a few decades ago due to the huge influx of largely Asian immigrants.

[@arilebon]

A matter of time. Banff, Jasper, Whistler are unbearable due to the volume of tourists. Locals are priced out.

[@SportNut1]

Wait till you come to Ontario. I can't believe what happened here

[@nekola203]

I'm a photographer in Toronto. The number of visitors to places in and around Ontario recently has turned these beautiful and once quaint places into crowded mess.

[@ph11p3540]

@@nekola203 I live in Alberta, Everything is really spread out. Even Banff has few issues

[@johndutton349]

Same problem at Everest...too many people with too much money to throw away, and the urge to brag with friends at cocktail parties "I've been to Everest".

[@richatlarge462]

People should be free to visit anywhere in the world, but also local officials should limit the flow when necessary at certain times.

[@sashalivesinengland]

I live in Barcelona, and to be honest I understand why some people want to stop overtourism, sometimes it can be a bit annoying to have all the people in the streets when you are trying to go about your day. But in all honesty, how do you regulate that? I personally love travelling and I like that I can go from Barcelona to any other corner of the world cheaply and conveniently, and I dont want that right to be taken away from me, so I wouldnt do it to other people.

[@KimB10M]

Don't you live in England?

[@sashalivesinengland]

@@KimB10M No I used to, I've been living in Barcelona for the past 2 years now :D

[@MP-ir6ic]

You are part of the problem

[@PHlophe]

@@sashalivesinengland No Papi, le them enjoy the city , off season. its not their fault you Latinos keep advertising this city as Gaudi city con Paella etc.. what i know is that unemployment is insane in barcelona so its a double edge sword.

[@sashalivesinengland]

@@PHlophe wtf you mean latino I'm literally ukrainian and paella comes from valencia?😅

[@thevaultdwellergaming]

Seems like a simple solution would be to control how many people are allowed to visit

[@RELENTLESS305-s3k]

ONCE U VISIT ONCE AINT NOTHING TO GO AGAIN FOR

[@theotang681]

pick pockets heaven. beware. do not leave your bag open.

[@ahsanurr4219]

Big W for Barcelona fighting against overtourism

[@VijaygKamat]

There should be Lucky draw, which tourists apply before applying for Visa and buying Airplane tickets. This should be all across the planet.

[@GTA5Player1]

What kind of fascist BS is that?

[@johnc3525]

@@GTA5Player1 How is a lottery fascist?

[@GTA5Player1]

@@johnc3525 What's BS is making people apply to be allowed to buy plane tickets or enter the city

[@stankythecat6735]

My BF and I snuck into Spain right before the pandemic ended. We rented a flat on the Rambla de Catalunya for 10 weeks. It was huge ,it was beautiful and it was soooo cheep. We had Barcelona to our selves. It was amazing

[@Joe-cb6ex]

Please DON’T do this again. You’re contributing to rent hikes and poor living conditions

[@stankythecat6735]

@@Joe-cb6ex meh… I’m rich and people will always take my money. The regular people dont rent the places I rent, so no … I’m not contributing to the issue. 99% of the population can’t afford 45,000 euros a month.

[@Fiorellandia]

@@stankythecat6735 you were scammed, it's illegal to charge that.

[@FatBunny168]

Meanwhile Thailand: please come back!!! Please!!! Also thailand: make it difficult for tourist with increase cost of fees

[@Teeeheeeteeheee]

They want rich tourists, everyone wants rich tourists

[@delta_glider4362]

@@Teeeheeeteeheee But then complains that rich folks looks on them as on serves. (Who have though!)

[@NomadicIslanders]

@@delta_glider4362and complain when the rich people come and buy up all the properties and turn them into AirBnBs 😂

[@NomadicIslanders]

I hope they get what they wish for. Most of theirs tourists are wealthier than the locals, hence why they can travel there during peak season. The ultra rich tourists they are begging for will come and buy up their properties and create more AirBnBs or even worst, expensive apartments for locals.

[@MT-ys6ju]

Everyone wants wealthy tourists only..

[@NomadicIslanders]

Meanwhile all the tourist there are probably wealthier than the locals and the rich tourists are the ones buying up properties and turning them into AirBnB as investments. They don’t know what they are asking for 😂

[@MT-ys6ju]

@@NomadicIslanders exactly. The wealthy ones are the worst kind..

[@Nadia-kj9kt]

Why are you going to there where local people are not hospitable and not happy to meet you? There are many other places where you are welcome.

[@AlexWestLondon24]

Try this one instead: Why are you travelling to Barcelona, where locals are not welcoming and not happy to see you? There are many other places like Amsterdam, Venice, Paris, New York, Firenze, Roma, Madrid and many many others, all of them with the same problem, and you’ll not be welcome either…😎

[@tresslercreed]

DW "News," stop using AI voices! You clearly called a man named "Ernest," "Esther."

[@ruleoflawkorea]

now i get why there are so many pickpocketers. to fight against the overtourism! brilliant!

[@srami004]

People need to step up and take control over the flow of tourism.

[@sam74]

Bring tech companies to BCN and it will really destroy the housing affordability.

[@tpop3723]

Ester is correct in his assessment.

[@AbraXas-bi9ux]

the Catalans are always complaining, but on this matter I do understand them. what I dont get is the hype on BCN, I find Madrid or Malaga being much better.

[@susanaescriba977]

The same thing happens in Malaga and Madrid.

[@coriolan1963]

Well, Barcelona is a very beautiful place. Eixample, with its Modernismo art is well worth many a walk, Opera House, Palao de Musica music hall, Gaudi, excellent restaurants, beautiful medieval churches, cathedral and it has a lovely atmosphere, "Paris along the Mediterranean Sea" . Madrid of course is also worth while, but is very different.

[@susanaescriba977]

@@coriolan1963 Do you know the industrial zone? Well, there is the truth about Barcelona. What you mention is the Theme Park. Music Hall? You have left the La Sala Bagdad. 🤣🤣

[@johnc3525]

Sounds like you don't know Barcelona.

[@susanaescriba977]

@@johnc3525 But what are they going to know? beach and the nearest pub that's what they know...

[@deflexion3677]

lol let their real estate prices fall and make these locals poorer 🤣

[@user-fd5qx9hr6q]

I understand locals will have difficulties e.g. affordability, lack of available properties. However, they need to make sure their anger is directed at local govt not tourists. In other areas of Spain, anti-tourism protests have already led to significant drops in financial revenue- does Barcelona want to follow?

[@Joe-cb6ex]

It’s directed at both. You can choose not to visit if you know it causes a problem. It’s on you, too

[@richatlarge462]

@@Joe-cb6ex So a person with wanderlust will simply never see Barcelona, ever?

[@Joe-cb6ex]

@@richatlarge462 Lol, yeah. What do you think most people did for most of history when they wanted to travel? They didn’t lmao. You have many other places around the World to visit, if you’d like

[@richatlarge462]

@@Joe-cb6exI travel plenty around the world, and am glad that modern civilization enables it. I got my fix of Barcelona in 1992 with three visits that year, none for the Olympics (the biggest tourist magnet of them all). I'm originally from San Francisco, also known for tourism as well as unaffordable housing. But the city wants to get tourists to come back, after making the city less attractive with dumb policies.

[@user-fd5qx9hr6q]

@Joe-cb6ex repelling and hating on tourists won't go down well when they decide to take their money elsewhere. Supporting residents whilst being a tourist dependent place should be managed properly by the local government.

[@Fiorellandia]

The American Cup was nothing, only in June we had American Cup, Formula 1, Primavera Sound Festival, Sonar festival, and a few congresses. Not to mention widening Las Ramblas so they can fit more tourists. The government is making business turning the city into literally a theme park for tourists and they don't here that there's people living there. There are parts of the city we can't go to anymore because they have been taken over by tourism. Yesterday I heard on the news the government announcing a new measure of combat tourism, it consisted in stop giving out licenses to open Cannabis shops (where no cannabis is sold), souvenir shops and phone accessories shops (since everyone's phone get stolen. Is that really how they're fighting tourism? How about not expanding the airport, or the cruise terminal? the government is a joke.

[@Andrew-tx9jy]

Don't go, they will soon be whinging when their taxes go up because the money isn't coming in.

[@hikingviking859]

Tourism is the least of their concerns. I visited Barcelona last year.

[@dewanggaaramada9535]

This also happen in Bali

[@OMGz1122]

yea I immediately crossed off visiting Bali once i saw models and influencers populating.

[@redbunnytail9528]

In the late 80's, Spain a 'cheap' place to vacation. 'Cheap' as in 'inexpensive,' BUT it beautiful. Plus. If you read Hemingway, some of the 'haunting' dark countryside, leave deep impression, when you taking train. It like the land from some sort of 'twisty,' very 'earth color' art 'vision.' Now Spain expensive. My nephew gone there twice, once to see Messi play and 2nd time, he take trip with friends. Europe this awesome place, but I think if everyone, going to Spain, at this time, it the 'default' choice of people, who no nowhere to go, and that why if you smart, you go some place else. You know? Instead of Barcelona, hit the beach town/cities via train, like Teragona. If you luicky, you might be in town for festival. I no like Spain until I go with friend, hang out til 3AM at bike race festival. Beautiful gathering of people.

[@tullypoo]

Everyone I know that has visited Barcelona was robbed or mugged, including myself. . Barcelona is lucky to have any tourist. Awful city.

[@kristofkozari9040]

I've visited multiple times and never happened anything like that with me...

[@ZebuAlpha]

In 3rd world countries, locals want tourism for job creation. Here we have "Over-tourism" so they want a cut on it. This world we live in is indeed a strange place and human nature is even weirder NEVER SATISFIED, NEVER HAPPY :D

[@marcialabrahantes3369]

go to Polynesia to be happy The issue is that unhappy people always have the best weapons due to anxiety...

[@felipepipi1780]

It is only strange because there is no balance and coherence in people. It is not about canceling completely, but find a health balance where every party can benefit equally or with some sense of justice. That's never the case in this planet. Only greedy people advocating for their own economy, not others.

[@WeWander2]

We're putting off travel to Europe maybe forever

[@jiaheung4628]

Come to Europe in December and January and it’s not crowded with over tourism.

[@jakerio8]

Take problems of tourism over migrancy any day

[@richatlarge462]

Exactly. And almost no one is mentioning this here.

[@nickbailey202]

Barcelona is banning short-term rentals (AirBnB). Of all my travels, Barcelona has been my favorite place in the world, but this change alone will keep me from coming back.

[@duvine3882]

Global turism with shared housing apps increased locals rents leaving them to leave, sad!.

[@shaun2513]

Or just make nice resorts like in bali. You earn revenue and city doesn't get crowded

[@naturegoggle]

When you can only afford one translator for voice over

[@Jaylio]

Visit a country which actually welcomes you. Barcelona was a bad experience I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone

[@Chris-rf6xj]

Just to be sure.. Barcelona is a city, not a country👍

[@fergal2424]

Barcelona is a city not the entire country of Spain. And tourists no very little of the actual nice things Barcelona offers, just the trash aimed at the tourists themselves who waddle up Las Ramblas and stupidly gaze at La Sagrada Familia while getting robbed.

[@patrickokeeffe539]

@@Jaylio I live in Spain, so usually holiday there. Barcelona is the only place so far I will not be returning. So happy to see the locals, do not want me back too, so i will be happy to oblige. Highly recommend Malaga, in fact the whole south of Spain.

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

Yayy stay away please!!!!

[@valefranco8907]

Last month I stayed in Barcelona for 4 days, my staying was 4 days too long! Overcrowded and unsafe!

[@PHlophe]

Honey, you just had anxiety and that is on ya. Take a few pills it'll pass. Dont blame tourists , if you advertise goods people will flock to it . I am fine em Barcelona.

[@benito8405]

renting a house has gone up due to airbnb, if they didnt go up i think residents would be not so desperate, i think they would be more ok with the other const of having tourism. someone has to listen to them and give them something positive. this is what happens when you try to squeeze as muhc money as possible and ignore the rest, you eventually get problems.

[@amandahall4992]

I’ve never been to Barcelona and I understand residents often don’t like tourists we get them where I live as the local council has been trying to turn it into a destination but I’m not sure what the answer is as the countries often bombard adverts on visit Barcelona etc…. Maybe Airbandb is the thing that’s thrown it over the edge in many places well that and the usual human greed….

[@tibsyy895]

Barcelonans can be glad that their city is so popular. If tourist would be gone than they would cry about hard economic times! 😅

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

Not really, the city was fine during covid and it will be after tourists ars gone.

[@simulationkoyo]

@@carolinaaguilar4038 not in the long term. funds would dry up eventually.

[@susanaescriba977]

Another tourist who doesn't even know that Barcelona is the most industrial area in all of Spain.

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

​@simulationkoyo we will be just fine 🙂

[@johnc3525]

It's not tourism or no tourism. The problem is over-tourism. Don't be so obtuse.

[@loveunimeanit]

soon they will cry if tourists stop coming ..

[@MrBeatboxmasta]

Make the fines for airbnb type lodging 500K and even those who have multiple properties will stop. If it still doesn't stop it, increase the fine to $1M.

[@richatlarge462]

As a tourist, go there in October or early May, and people probably won't get upset. Though still watch out for pickpockets.

[@jayyoo906]

Overtourism troubles South Korea too, from neighbor countries.

[@orighomisandediare4990]

They can keep it. I was there once but won't be back - Its a paradox

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

Yayyy🎉

[@GTA5Player1]

Is it?

[@Dashawn.B]

Welcome to life in America.

[@geeksworkshop]

I love Barcelona. But now I'm never going back! Not!!

[@susanaescriba977]

As a former Neighbor expelled from BCN due to tourist pressure, I think the same. I'm never going back.

[@Sjalabais]

Such a difficult topic. Really goes to show that smart and enforced regulation is everything when it comes to business.

[@coriolan1963]

I agree. Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, all having the same problem.

[@giofilipov9169]

The tourism that comes does not respect the city. They dont respect the rules and throw their trash on the street when there is a trash container every 50 meters. Investors are destroying the city and making rents impossible. This is not Disneyland, its my home! Barcelona is beautiful and we want it to stay beautiful.

[@paulacravello]

this is a lie. the beach is not removed.

[@Martyre20]

We need tougher laws, where on given offences like noise pollution and disrupting the peace, police log passports and place visitors on watchlist with embassy.

[@SSD5430]

Barcelona is actually not even worth visiting in the summer. You want to see the the architecture and gaudi? Make 2 day halt in the beginning of winters and that'll be enough.

[@missmarionlewis]

I want to visit Barcelona but not at the expense of the people who live there. Guess I'll pass.

[@Havoc-bc6oy]

I don't even want to see Barcelona any way. I can think of at least 10 euro cities I'd spend my money seeing before this one.

[@patbenz4327]

Italy better than spain

[@Just_another_Euro_dude]

I can't. Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Porto, Florence, Venice, Seville. Those are my top cities i would like to visit and only Rome would be more attractive for me to visit than Barcelona. Immediately after Rome i would like to visit exactly Barcelona. Then all the rest. But my TOP 2 cities to visit are for SURE Rome and Barcelona.

[@Joe-cb6ex]

Cool. Stay out.

[@8XSaintX8]

Sounds like a rich people's problem. Like I cant fit my boat in my 4-car garage.

[@Gruffydom]

They need a reef off the 200 metres off the beach, they could have dumped the concrete there. Those makeshift sand dunes are pathetic. It’s like he’s never seen a sand dune so does not know what it’s supposed to look like.

[@cgiii2440]

Usually tourist hubs economy is built off it, if they were to get their way it'd be a beware of what you ask for situation

[@anubizz3]

Plenty of other European countries welcome tourists... Go ahead keep make them feel unwelcome... This people already forget how hard covid-19 effect Spain economy..

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

Plenty of other European countries are also discussing how to manage overtourism. E.g. here in Norway.

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

Barcelona was just fine.

[@anubizz3]

@@carolinaaguilar4038 Barcelona get plenty of tourists during covid?

[@carolinaaguilar4038]

Not as many as now,hunny.​@@anubizz3

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

Over tourism is happening around the world.... It's a good thing Spain is never on my bucket list, I love the rest of the Mediterranean and visited Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Morocco many times in each country

[@lifeby2044]

I hated last time I was in Barcelona, too many people, screaming inside La Sagrada Familia, complete disregard to everything. The tourist are ignorant, unfriendly and disrespectful.

[@listerine-pr5lt]

People, please do not go to Spain and let them rest in peace.

[@citroniron8861]

The government needs to restrict/ban Airbnbs and regulate tourism. It's not the fault of the tourists.

[@drewbranch7700]

Listen be careful what you ask for,tourist y’all have options- Croatia I hear is spectacular.

[@ydne]

Get out to the country in search of original Spanish classical guitars, please.

[@KC_312]

Sagrada Familia is a basilica, not a cathedral.

[@Nikitateagurl_77]

These Barcelonians are hypocrites. Whining about tourists in their city but these are same people who go to other countries staying in airbnbs

[@susanaescriba977]

Don't blame others for what you do to justify yourself.

[@Kitty-ig4yh]

This is why I'd rather vacation in places not familiar to many. For every European destination, there's an alternative choice in the USA. I'm so glad I'm not fomo minded and don't want to do everything everyone does.

[@missco89]

I live in Barcelona - I do not get the hype of such high volumes of people visiting Barcelona. Yes, it's a nice city, with a cool vibe, but there is SO MUCH MORE in Spain to see if you're after Spanish culture! Barcelona is basically not Spain and I feel like the people that come here, come to tick a box and say they've been to Spain. No more than a weekend here is enough.

[@coriolan1963]

I certainly do not agree. My parents lived there for 40 years, upper class in Tres Torres, I always went there and never got bored visiting the city. Excellent restaurants, Eixample for walks, Paleo de Musica, Liceo for good theatre opera, not the modern abstract rubbish in Northern Europe, Gaudi, Barceloneta, etc.

[@cJeremy]

i hope no one goes to spain for tourism.. then they'll be crying again.

[@andyroo9381]

Tourism is a good and bad thing for the local economy. If I were a resident, I wouldn't like tourism either. If I was a business owner, I would want tourism.