The mayor of Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, has made a commitment to eliminate the city’s 10,000 tourist apartment licenses within the next five years. This decision comes in response to the direct economic impact of mass tourism on the city. In 2023, Barcelona welcomed a staggering 26 million tourists, bringing in a significant 12.75 billion euros to the region’s economy. However, the recent protests against mass tourism in the city have shed light on the negative consequences of tourism, leading to the mayor’s announcement to curb tourist apartments. Despite the potential negative impact on the tourism sector, the move has been met with criticism from industry experts who believe that it will not address the underlying issues and may lead to an increase in illegal apartments.
The Barcelona Association of Tourist Apartments (APARTUR) has raised concerns that the restriction of licenses for tourist apartments could result in a significant decrease in tourism, with up to 40% of the city’s visitors disappearing. Local businesses, such as restaurants, rely heavily on tourism to sustain their operations, with tourists making up a significant portion of their clientele. Visitors to Barcelona have expressed mixed opinions on the issue, with some acknowledging the strain that tourism places on the city while others emphasize the importance of tourism in keeping the city vibrant and economically viable. Despite the controversy surrounding the mayor’s decision, tourists currently do not feel any rejection in the streets of Barcelona.
The issue of over-tourism is not unique to Barcelona, with other regions in Spain also experiencing negative impacts from excessive tourism. In Mallorca, thousands of people recently marched against the negative effects of over-tourism, such as a drop in wages, loss of quality of life, noise pollution, and increased housing costs. Similar sentiments have been expressed in Málaga, where locals have protested by plastering the city with stickers expressing their frustration with tourists. The Canary Islands are also facing challenges due to over-tourism. These issues highlight the need for a more sustainable approach to tourism management.
Over-tourism is a global problem that many European cities are grappling with. Venice has implemented tourist taxes and banned cruise ships from entering its canal system, while Amsterdam has been trying to deter rowdy tourists. In Athens, the city’s mayor has initiated a tourism capacity study to better understand the impact of tourism and short-term rentals on the city. Spain has emerged as a leader in addressing the challenges of over-tourism, with grassroots movements advocating for more sustainable tourism practices. The debate over the future of tourism in Barcelona and other popular destinations in Spain highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers the economic benefits of tourism while mitigating its negative impacts on local communities.
