Locals claim they ‘spit in beer’ of tourists in major city in Spain

Barcelona locals have been railing against over-tourism in recent years – and some claim they spit in the drinks of holidaymakers. A second number of visitors headed to the Spanish city, in Catalonia, in 2023 aggravating residents.

Not only does mass tourism send the price of rental homes and apartments sky high but it also leads to added noise and disruption for people who live in Barcelona. Queues for public transport can be overwhelming and tour groups block the paths as people try to roam around their city.

The Barcelona city hall has acknowledged that the Spanish hotspot is struggling with certain aspects of tourism by implementing new rules. The nightly tourism tax has been increased and the number of people allowed in each tour groups has been limited.

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The use of megaphones and loudspeakers has also been banned in popular tourism spots. Guides will need to use audio equipment or speak at a normal volume. Plus, group leaders must plan walking routes that "minimise inconvenience".

On top of this, the constriction of hotels in the city centre has been halted and restrictions have been imposed on anyone who wants to rent out their flat or house on a rental site like Airbnb. While the city is attempting to rein in over-tourism it seems people who live in Barcelona are too.

The Telegraph reports that graffiti seen all over the city claims that locals spit in the drinks of holidaymakers. One artwork says: "We spit in your beer. Cheers!" While another added: "Your luxury trip – my daily misery".

Some graffiti says that tourists should "go home" while other slogans say that pickpockets are more welcome than foreigners on holiday. Stickers are also emblazoned around the city encouraging "balconing" – a dangerous act where drunk tourists jump from one balcony to another leading to many accidents and even fatalities.

Some stickers claim that rental homes are "dangerous" for the neighbourhoods of Barcelona while false signs direct tourists away from parks and attractions. However, some residents do see that tourists bring money into the city and have written graffiti in response. One stated: "Those who painted this have been to New York, Berlin, London, Lisbon, Tangier, Istanbul…but they don’t want anyone coming to this neighbourhood. Hypocrisy is the worst way to fight against gentrification."

Cafes in the area, as well as shops, have implemented new money making tactics. One spot that was sick of people visiting and not buying anything is Queviures Múrria, a historic shop and deli. The Barcelona store has warned tourists they will now be charged five euros (£4.30) for not making a purchase.

Barcelona isn't the only place pushing back against large visitor numbers. 11 restaurants and resorts in the Playa de Palma area of Majorca banned tourists from wearing football shirts, novelty street vendor accessories and strapless tops from their grounds.

While, Spanish officials sparked outrage by enforcing the new " six drinks a day" rule for all-inclusive holidays at some resorts. Mwanwhile, Lanzarote has said it's trying to attract German tourists who spend more money rather than Brits.

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