Barcelona vacationer backlash as UK vacationers in bars sprayed and pelted by protesters

UK holidaymakers had been left shocked and soaked as tensions over tourism in Barcelona boiled over, with disgruntled locals concentrating on them with water. A few of the drenched holidaymakers retorted, “we’ll spend our cash elsewhere”.

The incident was captured on video, displaying a heated confrontation the place residents took to spraying vacationers and bar house owners with water pistols.

The scenario escalated on La Rambla, the place locals gathered to name for presidency intervention in managing tourism and addressing town’s overcrowding downside, which reached a tipping level over the weekend. The protest turned hostile as demonstrators threw objects at bars and their prospects.

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Images depict confused UK vacationers making an attempt to get pleasure from their meals amid the turmoil. An estimated 2,800 passionate protesters took to the streets, demanding a shift in direction of an financial mannequin that will considerably scale back vacationer numbers in Barcelona.

Protesters waved indicators proclaiming “Vacationers go house,” and “Barcelona shouldn’t be on the market,” expressing their anger at well-frequented vacationer spots. Patrons eating out had been additionally caught within the crossfire, getting sprayed with water whereas chants of “Vacationers out of our neighbourhood” rang out, reviews the Mirror.

In a transfer final month, Barcelona’s Mayor Jaume Collboni declared a complete ban on short-term leases beginning November 2028, aiming to extend the supply of properties for the native housing market.

Greater than 140 teams, together with residents’ associations, environmental activists and commerce unions, joined forces in Barcelona to voice their anger over what they understand as extreme tourism within the metropolis.

Their main goal was Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni of the Catalan Socialist Celebration, as they demanded a cap on cruise ships and flights, together with restrictions on sidewalk cafes.

The protest march is the newest manifestation of the rising anti-tourist sentiment in Barcelona, which has seen the emergence of graffiti and posters with pointed messages resembling “My distress, your paradise” and “Digital nomads, you aren’t welcome right here” in areas common with guests.

Nevertheless, the protests have sparked a backlash on-line, with many social media customers criticising the demonstrators’ method. One commenter argued: “Catalonia generates greater than one-fifth of Spain’s GDP, with tourism accounting for 23% of that. Whereas some tourism restrictions could also be launched, much like these in Venice and Rome, attacking individuals who contribute to the economic system is just unacceptable.”

One other added: “Unacceptable, it is simply bonkers. Loads of different locations on this planet, I will fortunately spend my cash elsewhere, as will many others. Watch out what you would like for.”

One viewer identified: “Spain appears to need to destroy its economic system – how very short-sighted. I’m positive many guests will change their plans in future somewhat than danger being shot at with water pistols, verbally abused or merely robbed.”

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