Protesters Block Barcelona Bus, Demand End to Overtourism

Anti-tourism activists in Barcelona staged a protest by firing water pistols at a tour bus near the Sagrada Familia, chanting 'tourists go home' and demanding a reduction in the city's reliance on tourism. Organized by the Assembly of Neighbourhoods for the Decrease in Tourism, the demonstration highlighted frustrations over the impact of mass tourism on housing costs, overcrowding, environmental damage, and local wages. Protesters draped banners on the bus and announced a larger protest planned for June 15, aiming to spark broader socio-economic changes in Spain’s tourism hotspots. While some locals argue that tourism drives economic growth and supports thousands of jobs, others say it has priced them out of their neighborhoods and strained city infrastructure. Visitors themselves acknowledged contributing to the issues, but also noted the economic benefits tourism brings. The protest reflects growing tension in popular European destinations as record tourist numbers and a housing shortage intensify debates over sustainable city development.