03:22Thousands of protesters from up to 140 organisations joined a mass march in Barcelona on Saturday to rally against over-tourism, amid issues and its impact on housing, and environment.
Footage shows the protesters chanting slogans like 'Barcelona is not for sale', 'Decrease tourism already!' or 'Neighbours in danger of extinction', before marching through the streets.
They were also seen taping ribbons and fixing stickers outside local restaurants and hotels, while tourists in these spots observed the demonstrators anxiously.
"Today's demonstration is to give an answer to the discomfort for the tourist massification, [...] A touristic industry that has huge negative impacts on labour, socially and environmentally, making our lives precarious and making it impossible for us to live in our city," said Marti Cuso, an organiser of the protest.
"That's why we say stop, that limits should be put on this industry, that its part on the economy has to be less important, and that we have to bet for other economic alternatives that don't have this negative impact on people's lives," he continued.
Daniel Pardo, another organising member, stressed that while the protest might come in handy for the current situation, it still 'wouldn't be enough' and more pressure should be placed on local authorities 'if we want them to answer with real political measures.'
Earlier, the city council has approved an increase in the tax to €4 per person starting in October; however, many believe this step would not affect the influx of tourists.
According to organisers, over 140 organisations had united to join the protest under the slogan 'Enough, let's put limits on tourism' with up to 2,800 participants taking part, as reported by local police.
Similar protests against mass tourism also took place in tourist top destinations such as the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and Girona.
With 32 million visitors annually, Barcelona is Spain's most visited city and is grappling with issues related to over-tourism, including the arrival of many visitors on cruise ships.
'Limits should be put on this industry' - Thousands protest against over-tourism in Barcelona
Thousands of protesters from up to 140 organisations joined a mass march in Barcelona on Saturday to rally against over-tourism, amid issues and its impact on housing, and environment.
Footage shows the protesters chanting slogans like 'Barcelona is not for sale', 'Decrease tourism already!' or 'Neighbours in danger of extinction', before marching through the streets.
They were also seen taping ribbons and fixing stickers outside local restaurants and hotels, while tourists in these spots observed the demonstrators anxiously.
"Today's demonstration is to give an answer to the discomfort for the tourist massification, [...] A touristic industry that has huge negative impacts on labour, socially and environmentally, making our lives precarious and making it impossible for us to live in our city," said Marti Cuso, an organiser of the protest.
"That's why we say stop, that limits should be put on this industry, that its part on the economy has to be less important, and that we have to bet for other economic alternatives that don't have this negative impact on people's lives," he continued.
Daniel Pardo, another organising member, stressed that while the protest might come in handy for the current situation, it still 'wouldn't be enough' and more pressure should be placed on local authorities 'if we want them to answer with real political measures.'
Earlier, the city council has approved an increase in the tax to €4 per person starting in October; however, many believe this step would not affect the influx of tourists.
According to organisers, over 140 organisations had united to join the protest under the slogan 'Enough, let's put limits on tourism' with up to 2,800 participants taking part, as reported by local police.
Similar protests against mass tourism also took place in tourist top destinations such as the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and Girona.
With 32 million visitors annually, Barcelona is Spain's most visited city and is grappling with issues related to over-tourism, including the arrival of many visitors on cruise ships.
Thousands of protesters from up to 140 organisations joined a mass march in Barcelona on Saturday to rally against over-tourism, amid issues and its impact on housing, and environment.
Footage shows the protesters chanting slogans like 'Barcelona is not for sale', 'Decrease tourism already!' or 'Neighbours in danger of extinction', before marching through the streets.
They were also seen taping ribbons and fixing stickers outside local restaurants and hotels, while tourists in these spots observed the demonstrators anxiously.
"Today's demonstration is to give an answer to the discomfort for the tourist massification, [...] A touristic industry that has huge negative impacts on labour, socially and environmentally, making our lives precarious and making it impossible for us to live in our city," said Marti Cuso, an organiser of the protest.
"That's why we say stop, that limits should be put on this industry, that its part on the economy has to be less important, and that we have to bet for other economic alternatives that don't have this negative impact on people's lives," he continued.
Daniel Pardo, another organising member, stressed that while the protest might come in handy for the current situation, it still 'wouldn't be enough' and more pressure should be placed on local authorities 'if we want them to answer with real political measures.'
Earlier, the city council has approved an increase in the tax to €4 per person starting in October; however, many believe this step would not affect the influx of tourists.
According to organisers, over 140 organisations had united to join the protest under the slogan 'Enough, let's put limits on tourism' with up to 2,800 participants taking part, as reported by local police.
Similar protests against mass tourism also took place in tourist top destinations such as the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and Girona.
With 32 million visitors annually, Barcelona is Spain's most visited city and is grappling with issues related to over-tourism, including the arrival of many visitors on cruise ships.