While most areas of the world are actively trying to recruit tourists, Barcelona is one city that is actually trying to push them away. The city relies on tourism for 14 percent of its economy, except its popularity is also increasing property prices which is affecting the locals.
Last year Barcelona has 32 million visitors, but by 2020 they are hoping to cut that number. One way they will do this is by increasing the property taxes on vacation apartments and raising bus fares.
Janet Sanz, the deputy mayor in charge of urban planning spoke out about the plan.
“We understand that other people love our city. But we’re becoming a tourist theme park, every time a grocery store closes and a souvenir shop takes its place. People live and work here. It’s not just a fun weekend place.”
