Moving to London from my home of Barcelona during my teenage years has made me appreciate the quality of life in Spain. Although I don’t blame anyone for wanting to move there, it’s getting out of control
It doesn’t matter where I live, my beloved city of Barcelona will always be my home. It’s funny because I’ve lived in the United Kingdom for almost as long as I’ve lived in Spain, yet there’s no place I’d rather be. Barcelona has a special place in my heart, and no matter how many years pass, it will always feel like home.
While 1.6 million people are fortunate enough to call this vibrant city their home, an enormous number of people choose it as their holiday destination. In fact, Barcelona welcomes approximately 32 million visitors annually, making it one of Europe’s busiest destinations.
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After living in London for over a decade, I’ve noticed a lot of things on my recent trips back to Barcelona, I’ve seen an increase in over-tourism. The term over-tourism refers to a situation where a particular destination receives an excessive number of visitors, often leading to conflicts with locals.
Personally, I don’t think tourism is a bad thing. It’s nice knowing that people from all over the world can see and appreciate the city as much as I do. Barcelona’s beauty and charm should be shared.
I know people who have moved to Spain solely because the lifestyle is better. Its vibrant environment is considered one of the best places to live in your early 20s, even without the need to speak the language. Although it’s beneficial to learn Spanish, the English language has become more widespread, with many establishments hiring English speakers.
It’s disheartening to see graffiti reading “tourists go home!” or tourists being targeted with water pistols; I don’t agree with that at all. Yes, tourism can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there’s no reason to go to those lengths.
However, the shift in the city’s atmosphere is noticeable, and it feels as though more people are visiting just to check off the box of seeing the city. I’ve started to feel that it’s losing some of its sense of community, instead becoming more of a temporary destination for many expats and short-term visitors. It feels contradictory because I was once a resident of Spain, and now I live in the United Kingdom.
But with Barcelona – and Spain in general – being just a short flight away from the UK, it has become increasingly common for British expats and holidaymakers to spend their summers there. Especially during the peak season, the streets and beaches can become overcrowded, and the waiting times at restaurants and nightclubs can be long.
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According to the latest data, approximately 284,000 British residents now live in Spain, with popular areas being Andalusia, Valencia, Tenerife, Mallorca, Madrid, and, of course, Barcelona. Shockingly, 25% (432,500) of Barcelona’s registered population are foreign residents, with many choosing to call the city home temporarily or permanently.
Spanish anti-tourist campaigners have also declared “war”, planning to disrupt holidaymakers visiting the country, as was recently reported in The Mirror. Protests were mainly held in the Canary Islands and Tenerife, which are the two top travel destinations for many Brits. Residents called for measures against mass tourism and concerns about the preservation of beaches and important landmarks.
In response to the pressures of over-tourism, cities like Barcelona have introduced several measures to manage the influx of visitors while preserving the quality of life for its residents. Among these measures are increased tourist tax fees, regulations around short-term rentals like Airbnb, and efforts to promote lesser-known areas outside the city. As summer approaches and more holidaymakers plan their next visit to Barcelona, these changes aim to find a balance, ensuring that the beauty of Barcelona remains intact for both residents and tourists alike.
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Barcelona will always be a special place to me, no matter where I live. I hope that Spain continues to be a beloved destination for years to come, keeping its unique character and welcoming spirit.
However, the issue of over-tourism is something that needs to be tackled, not just in Spain, but everywhere. As the world becomes more connected, it’s important to find a balance that allows both locals and visitors to enjoy places alike.
