Barcelona Residents Block Park Güell to Protest Overtourism

Barcelona: Park Güell Access Blocked in Protest Against Overtourism Residents of the Tres Turons neighborhood in Barcelona took action on Wednesday, May 17th, blocking access to the iconic Park Güell to protest the overwhelming influx of tourists. The demonstration, captured in a short video by BTV Notícies, highlights the growing tension between local residents and the tourism industry. The protesters' main concern is the strain on public transportation. "The buses that take us to our neighborhoods are saturated and dedicated to tourist transport to Park Güell," explained one resident, interviewed in the video. This situation leaves residents struggling to access essential services and their own homes. Adding to the residents' frustration, workers from the public transport service TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) joined the protest. A TMB driver stated, "The drivers carry the buses full many times, and this leads to a lack of visibility when making the turns and tourist coaches occupy the stops." This collaboration underscores the widespread impact of the overtourism issue. The demonstration is planned to continue on May 24th and 31st, signaling the residents' determination to address their concerns and find solutions to improve the situation. The protests highlight the need for sustainable tourism practices that consider the needs of local communities.