• Protesters in Spain used water guns against tourists to protest against mass tourism and housing issues.
• Demonstrations occurred in Barcelona, Mallorca, and several other European cities.
• Activist Andreu Martínez highlighted the local housing crisis linked to increased tourism.
• The Spanish government is cracking down on illegal Airbnb rentals amid rising public discontent.
• Demonstrators called for a reevaluation of tourism's effects on local communities and economies.

Protesters in Spain took to the streets with water guns aimed at tourists on Sunday, seeking to draw attention to the adverse effects of mass tourism on local housing markets. This coordinated effort spanned cities like Barcelona and Mallorca, where demonstrators claimed that the influx of visitors is driving up housing costs and eroding the cultural identity of their hometowns, according to latimes and NPR.

With an estimated 5,000 protesters in Palma and hundreds more in various Spanish cities, these events were characterized by a playful yet serious tone. Andreu Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant in Barcelona, stated, “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.” He noted that his rent has increased over 30% as traditional housing is being converted into short-term rentals, according to HuffPost and CBS News.

The protests drew wide attention, with protesters chanting slogans like “Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.” As they sprayed water guns, many pointed out that the resulting surge in tourist rentals has left them struggling to afford housing in a city that welcomed over 15 million visitors last year, including those eager to see sites like Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia, according to latimes and CBS News.

Protesters also emphasized a broader movement against the rise of platforms such as Airbnb, which they believe aggravates the housing crisis. Their campaign has led to governmental actions, including a recent order for Airbnb to remove 66,000 illegal listings from the site, according to NPR and HuffPost.

The sentiment of discontent is not limited to Barcelona; several Spanish cities have seen similar protests, calling for local governments to address the strain of mass tourism while balancing economic benefits. “The tourism sector cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,” remarked Spain's Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy just after the crackdown on rental services, underscoring the government's struggle to find a balance, as noted by CBS News and HuffPost.

The protests have also revealed a larger conversation about the sustainability of tourism in urban areas. Activist Txema Escorsa emphasized the importance of prioritizing local housing and expressed his refusal to use Airbnb out of principle, stating, “In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,” according to latimes and NPR.