The Spanish city living in fear of tourist boycott after latest protest
People took to the streets in their thousands to rally against mass tourism under the slogan "let's defend the territory".
Fury from locals about so-called over tourism in the Spanish city of Barcelona has spilled out into the streets. Up to 3,000 young people issued a rallying cry against mass tourism in central Barcelona on Saturday, June 8.
Under the slogan "Health, Land and Future - Let's defend the territory," the march was organised by left-wing youth groups with a number of themes - from housing to environmentalism, reports The Local ES.
They are worried about the soaring cost of living and property prices as well as rude tourists cramming their streets.
But after similar protests in the Balearic and Canary Islands, UK holidaymakers are threatening to snub Spain with a stern warning: "Be careful what you wish for."
Miquel Roca, spokesperson for the 8J (8th of June) collective, said: "We find ourselves in the context of an unprecedented eco-social crisis".
They added that "when there's no future, as young people we have to go out into the streets".
Police at the march estimated 1,700 protesters took part - but organisers said it was closer to 3,000 people.
Demonstrators chanted "Tourists go home" and "Tourism kills the neighbourhoods" and "Tourism kills the city" was graffitied on bus stops and walls.
According to local authorities the minimum amount of money needed every month to get by in the Catalan capital is €1,516 (£1280.34) which is €550 (£464.50) more than in 2016.
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More than 12 million people travelled to Barcelona last year, Spain’s second-largest city and perhaps Europe’s best-known city break.
Meanwhile angry Brits have taken to social media with their reaction on the wave of so-called over tourism protests taking place.
One irate British tourist pointed out on social media that tourism is the lifeblood of Spain after 15,000 people rallied in Majorca, demanding that British visitors "go home" and "stay out".
"The island earns most of its income from tourism," the Brit emphasised. They added: "They should be careful what they wish for,".
Another chimed in: "What other income have these tourist areas got? Tourism is the main income." But on Reddit, local residents have shared their thoughts on the Barcelona’s tourism problem with one person describing it as an “amusement park”.
