Context: Recent anti-tourism protests in Barcelona reflect growing discontent with the negative impacts of mass tourism, including increased living costs and housing shortages.

Issues Related to Overtourism:

1. Economic Impacts:

• Increased living costs. (18% YOY increase in popular tourist areas)
• Higher rent and property prices.
• Restricted housing access for residents.
• 31% YOY inflation increment compared to long term average of 2.5% YOY increase

2. Social Impacts:

• Loss of local character and culture.
• Deepening social inequality. Gini Index of spain is 34.9 which is highest among EU countries
• Overcrowding in public spaces and services.

3. Environmental Impacts:

• Strain on infrastructure.
• Environmental degradation.
• Unsustainable use of natural resources.

Comprehensive Solution :

1. Regulation and Policy:

• Limit short-term rentals.
• Implement entry fees or quotas for popular sites.
• Enforce capacity limits in tourist areas.

2. Promotion of Sustainable Tourism:

• Encourage higher-yield, responsible tourists.
• Develop alternative destinations to disperse tourist traffic.
• Promote eco-friendly and culturally respectful tourism practices.

3. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Prioritize residents’ well-being in tourism policies.
• Involve local communities in tourism planning and decision-making.
• Launch public awareness campaigns to foster responsible tourist behavior.

4. Infrastructure and Resource Management:

• Improve infrastructure to handle tourist influx.
• Ensure sustainable use and conservation of natural resources.
• Invest in public services to support both residents and tourists.

Examples and Protests:
Beyond Barcelona, protests have occurred in Palma, Majorca, and the Canary Islands, where locals demand sustainable tourism practices. Venice has introduced entry fees and banned cruise ships from its city center. Amsterdam has urged certain tourists to stay away and prohibited new hotels, highlighting a global struggle with overtourism and the need for effective solutions.