Spain set for protests over tourism | BBC News

Thousands of people in Majorca are protesting against the surge in tourism that is being blamed for plummeting living standards among the local population.

Activists say spiralling housing costs on the Spanish Island are being driven by a huge number of properties being bought by foreigners.

This year, the anger among many locals is reaching a new level - notably demonstrated in Barcelona recently when visitors were drenched with water pistols.

#Spain #Tourism #BBCNews

[skycloud]

It's happening everywhere, not just Spain. In the UK, homes are being bought up by Russian, Saudi, and Chinese investors which pushes up prices even more for the local population. This is a global problem that needs solving.

[HappyRareGrooveMan]

Who buys all the houses in central London, not the british working class that's for sure .

[learnspanishwithdavid]

I´m Spanish, living near Barcelona and I go to Barcelona every day, and while it ´s true that the ammount of tourists is not sustainable for this kind of city, I don´t understand why we don´t squirt water on the politicians who allowed all this to happen. A tourist just looks for a place to stay and enjoy some time off, they don´t check what the housing price for a local is and do a bunch of research on the local economy before coming, that´s crazy. Same as when we go to another country, book a room, go to restaurants, bars, the beach... that´s it. I would say someone must be behind this and is taking advantege of tired neighbours, because it´s clear that this solves nothing.

[obi-wanjabronii]

Targeting tourists for enjoying an advertised holiday location is actually quite hateful. Blame your government and council, they're the problem.

[portalkey]

Meanwhile the spanish govt: *keeps quiet
*lets its people blame tourists

[titteryenot]

This happens in all the big touristy places: Venice; Barcelona; Paris; Edinburgh etc. Not just a Majorcan thing. It’s just about creating housing laws in each place where the permanent local is put before the passing tourist.

[jaymz]

Aren’t you just SICK of people blaming foreigners for the shortcomings of their own government? 🙄

[natalieroy]

So are all these protesters promising to not be tourists themselves?

[andrewwilson]

Why would you go there when the locals don't want you. Take your money elsewhere

[somerset]

Why not increase taxation on owners and tourists and spread the wealth around. It's not the tourists, it's the government.

[scolexuk]

I love the signs that say "refugees welcome, tourists go home". 🤦

[Anastasis-is-here]

Why do they target British only? Every country in the world has tourists, but why are they so focus on English people? I think this is a bit of racism and/or jealousy shown here.

[stevesecret]

Short term rentals are doing the same thing to many cities in the USA.

[DmtriyK]

Perhaps the Spanish people should ask their government why tourism money is being directed to "some economic powers" rather than benefiting the citizens as a whole.

[drbloomer]

Something odd is happening. Two friends who work In completely different areas of tourism, have said the cancellations of holidays from Brits has been Notable. Maybe the British actually are voting with the Wallets after all!

[JasonLockwood]

Dear tourists, take your money to Greece. I’m sure their business owners and shop owners would appreciate it. Squirting tourists and telling them to get off their streets just plain wrong.

[jamesporteousnews]

The 'cost of living' is hitting every city around the world. We could barely name one city where local people can afford the basics, let alone decent housing. And the vast majority do not have tourists.

[Mike-qonm]

Be careful what you wish for. What is the unemployment level now? What will it be without tourism

[Dr_DeeDee]

There are 100s of other places that welcome tourists. Why go where you're not wanted

[janiekcarney]

The prices are higher everywhere. Not just in Spain.