Spain, a popular summer holiday destination for Brits since the 1960s, is now facing backlash from its own residents. Protests have erupted across the country, with tourists in Barcelona even being sprayed with water pistols recently. Sam Jones, a correspondent for The Guardian based in Madrid, delves into Spain’s history with tourism and its impact on the economy. Marti Cuso from Barcelona explains how home rental websites have transformed his community and affected the local rental market. Altaha, a surf instructor from Tenerife, highlights the negative consequences of tourism, including the skyrocketing cost of living and environmental damage. He went on hunger strike to protest against the construction of another hotel. Jones discusses efforts to reduce Spain’s reliance on tourism economically. The Guardian, an independent publication, relies on reader support to fund its journalism.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
Spain urges tourists to return to their home countries
