What I don’t get is why the people of Barcelona want tourists out. That’s such a dumb knee-jerk reaction imho. Tourism is not the problem. In fact it’s a major revenue for the city. They could use it to build affordable housing for locals. The government could put a cap on rent and similar restrictions on whatever Airbnb arrangements. If it’s not more profitable to give out one’s property for short term rentals then the trend will fade. If someone can explain the current anti-tourism stance as opposed to a push for alternative measures I’d appreciate it.
The government could put a cap on rent and similar restrictions on whatever Airbnb arrangements.
Not easy. They tried but don’t have the authority. I think they managed for home long term rentals but not as aggressive as before.
The revenue from tourism is limited to the city. Most rentals are owned by large foreign companies, so profit goes away. Clearly not enough to pay for extra housing (one airbnb house taxes can’t pay for a full new house).
Also, they are pushing away people who lived there, as the neighborhoods are focusing on tourists more and more (again, foreign investment firms who don’t spend back in the city).
I used to live 25 min walking to Sagrada Familia. 8 years ago there were usually no tourists or stores focused on tourists. Now it’s a very common place for tourists to stay, and prices show it.
What I don’t get is why the people of Barcelona want tourists out. That’s such a dumb knee-jerk reaction imho. Tourism is not the problem. In fact it’s a major revenue for the city. They could use it to build affordable housing for locals. The government could put a cap on rent and similar restrictions on whatever Airbnb arrangements. If it’s not more profitable to give out one’s property for short term rentals then the trend will fade. If someone can explain the current anti-tourism stance as opposed to a push for alternative measures I’d appreciate it.
Tourism is cancer
Because the people making money are not the people living there.
Not easy. They tried but don’t have the authority. I think they managed for home long term rentals but not as aggressive as before.
The revenue from tourism is limited to the city. Most rentals are owned by large foreign companies, so profit goes away. Clearly not enough to pay for extra housing (one airbnb house taxes can’t pay for a full new house).
Also, they are pushing away people who lived there, as the neighborhoods are focusing on tourists more and more (again, foreign investment firms who don’t spend back in the city).
I used to live 25 min walking to Sagrada Familia. 8 years ago there were usually no tourists or stores focused on tourists. Now it’s a very common place for tourists to stay, and prices show it.
Hello,
Not sure if you’re still in Barcelona, but there is [email protected]
Not anymore, recently left. Honestly tourism and it’s many side effects was one of the motivating factors.
I definitely get that. Are you still in Spain or have you moved abroad ?
I’m guessing all those things that could and should happen are not happening because of greed.