Overtourism: Barcelona Sparks Global Rethinking

The article "Overtourism: Barcelona Sparks Global Rethinking," published by the Green European Journal, explores the pressing issue of overtourism in Barcelona. As a city renowned for its unique culture and architecture, Barcelona has become a focal point for discussions about the sustainability of tourism in urban areas. The publication highlights how the influx of tourists, particularly post-Covid, has led to significant challenges for local residents, including rising rents and deteriorating living conditions.

Barcelona attracts over 170,000 tourists daily, with estimates suggesting that around 26 million visitors arrived in 2023. However, grassroots movements argue that the actual number may be closer to 31 million, which is nearly 20 times the city's permanent population of 1.6 million. Most tourists stay for less than two nights, contributing to a high turnover that strains local resources and infrastructure. Residents have expressed their dissatisfaction through graffiti and protests, demanding a reevaluation of the current tourism model.

The consequences of mass tourism are felt acutely by locals. Residents like Daniel Pardo Rivacoba, who has managed to stay in the city center, report skyrocketing housing prices and a decline in available local amenities. The pressure from tourism has created an environment where many locals are forced to leave their homes due to unaffordable rents and disruptive noise levels. Pardo notes the lack of affordable local bars, highlighting the shift in commerce driven by tourist demand.

In response to these pressures, grassroots organizations such as Neighbourhoods for Tourism Degrowth have mobilized to demand changes from the local government. Their manifesto calls for limiting cruise terminals, halting new tourism accommodations, and prioritizing local needs over tourist-centric development. In a significant move, Barcelona's Mayor Jaume Collboni announced plans to cancel all short-term rental licenses by 2028 and ban cruise ships from docking in the city center.

Advocates for sustainable tourism emphasize the need for a model that benefits both residents and visitors. Geography professor Asunción Blanco-Romero argues for regulations that ensure tourism contributes positively to local life. The article highlights the urgency of this shift, as tourism contributes to approximately 8.1% of global CO2 emissions, with significant environmental impacts also reported in cities like Venice and Dubrovnik.

The article concludes with a call for a continental conversation on tourism policies, emphasizing the necessity of including local voices in discussions at the European level. This approach seeks to address the structural issues in the tourism industry, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared more equitably among local populations. The Neighbourhoods for Tourism Degrowth platform aims to leverage the momentum from recent protests to advocate for comprehensive policy changes that prioritize sustainable living in tourist-heavy areas.