ABC News Daily Why Spain can’t stand tourists anymore
Aug 4, 2024
Claudia, an Australian tourist, shares her unsettling experience of feeling unwelcome in Barcelona. She highlights the rising tensions between locals and visitors, revealing how economic struggles are driving locals to protest against tourism. Sebastian Zenker, a tourism professor, discusses the misguided anger directed towards tourists instead of government policies. They explore the impacts of platforms like Airbnb on housing and suggest strategies like entry fees to ensure that tourism benefits local communities while promoting positive interactions.
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Tourist Targeted in Barcelona
- Claudia, an Australian tourist, was targeted by locals in Barcelona protesting overtourism.
- They squirted her with water pistols and screamed at her and other tourists dining.
The Three Issues of Overtourism
- Overtourism has three main issues: overcrowding, gentrification, and unfairness.
- Residents often bear the costs of tourism (rising rent, resource scarcity) while big companies profit.
Solutions for Overtourism
- Demarketing campaigns can discourage unwanted tourist behaviors, like Amsterdam's targeting of bachelor parties.
- Diversifying tourism revenue and promoting respectful behavior are key to sustainable tourism.