Spain: Radical left group protests mass tourism in Catalonia

Event

Various radical left wing groups have staged a series of minor protests in Barcelona and Mallorca to denounce the effects of mass tourism on Catalonia’s wildlife and working classes. Mass tourism, they claim, is encouraging the proliferation of seasonal, low paid jobs, as well as causing prices and rent to rise. 

On July 22, vacationers in a restaurant in Palma de Mallorca were attacked with confetti while firecrackers were set off. Arran, the left wing, pro-independent group behind the attack posted a video of the incident  on social media on August 1. It has also claimed responsibility for vandalizing a city tour bus in Barcelona on Thursday, July 27.

Local authorities claim these are not isolated incidents. Various attacks have taken place during the summer season, with reports of at least seven buses been vandalized, bicycle tires been repeatedly punctured throughout Barcelona, and hateful graffiti been sprayed.

Context

Tourism has grown exponentially in Catalonia which welcomes millions of vacationers each year. Incidents of drunken tourists and disrespectful comments towards the region’s culture have led many locals to denounce mass tourism.

Authorities in the Balearic Islands have asked Spain and the EU to enforce a ban on alcohol on flights and in airports due to a number of alcohol-fueled brawls and sexual incidents.

Advice

Travelers in Catalonia are advised to remain vigilant and keep abreast of following developments.