Barcelona residents march to protest increasing tourist numbers

AROUND 2,000 disgruntled residents took to the streets of Barcelona on Saturday in protest at what they consider out-of-control mass tourism.

Bearing banners reading “Barcelona is not for sale” and “We will not be driven out” the group packed the famous Rambla boulevard.

The number of tourists visiting the northeastern city has exploded in recent years, with an estimated 18 million overnight stays in hotels and holiday apartments in 2016, and a further 12 million day trippers arriving by car, train, or on cruise liners.

The protesters are concerned over a number of issues, with escalating rents chief among them.

On Friday, Barcelona city council issued a new law designed to curb tourism by limiting the number of beds offered by hotels and apartments with a ban on both additional hotels being built and new licenses for tourist apartments.

Picture courtesy of Cristina Roca.