In a dramatic demonstration of their frustration, thousands of locals took to the streets of Barcelona over the weekend to protest against mass tourism, demanding that visitors leave. The protesters armed themselves with water guns and sprayed tourists as they chanted, "Tourists go home!" and carried signs with anti-tourist slogans.

The protest, organized by the Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turístic (Neighborhood Assembly for Tourist Degrowth), was joined by an estimated 2,800 people, although the group claims the actual number was closer to 20,000, according to Spanish newspaper El País.

One of the major concerns voiced by the protesters is the impact of mass tourism on the cost of living for Barcelona residents. Many argue that the influx of visitors has led to an increase in living costs, making it difficult for locals to afford housing and other essentials. Rent in the city has skyrocketed by nearly 70% over the past decade, exacerbating the problem.

Barcelona, a popular destination known for its iconic sites like La Sagrada Familia and its stunning beaches, heavily relies on tourism as a significant part of its economy. In 2019 alone, approximately 26 million people visited the Barcelona area, contributing a staggering 9.6 billion euros (10.4 billion USD) to the city's economy, according to the Tourism Observatory of Barcelona.

Mayor Jaume Collboni acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters and recognized the pressing issue of rising housing prices. In an attempt to address the situation, he announced a plan to stop renewing rental permits for foreign visitors by 2028. This move aims to create 10,000 additional housing units for local residents within the next four years.

The clash between mass tourism and the plight of Barcelona's residents has ignited a heated debate about the future of the city. While tourism plays a vital role in the local economy, there is growing concern over the displacement of long-term residents and the affordability of housing.

As tensions persist, it remains to be seen how the local government and tourism industry will strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the needs of the city's residents.