The Take
Another Take: Why is tourism a problem in Barcelona?
Jan 4, 2025
Carme Arcarazo, a housing researcher and speaker for Barcelona’s tenant union, discusses the drastic effects of tourism on Barcelona. She highlights how mass tourism has turned once vibrant community spaces into tourist traps, straining local culture and housing. Arcarazo delves into the housing crisis, fueled by rising rents and short-term rentals like Airbnb, and the locals' activism against evictions. With a historical perspective, she emphasizes the need for sustainable urban strategies that prioritize residents over transient visitors.
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Quick takeaways
- The overwhelming influx of tourists in Barcelona is displacing local residents and degrading the cultural fabric, prompting a collective movement for reform.
- The housing crisis in Barcelona, driven by short-term rentals, has led to severe rent increases and instability, causing homelessness and evictions among locals.
Deep dives
Impact of Tourism on Barcelona's Community
Barcelona is facing a crisis due to an overwhelming number of tourists, with a staggering 28 million visitors in 2019 compared to the city's 1.7 million residents. This tourist influx has transformed the iconic La Rambla into a spot primarily for international visitors, prompting locals to avoid it altogether. Residents report feeling displaced in their own city, with local culture and normal daily activities significantly affected, such as the difficulty of finding places to enjoy a meal or socializing in their native Catalan. The local population, represented by activists and organizations, is rallying to reclaim the city and push for regulations that balance tourism with the needs of residents.
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