Laurence Dollimore
LOCALS in Spain have given their verdict after a holidaymaker posed sarcastically next to provocative ‘tourists go home’ graffiti.
A yoga instructor under the username of Starikovva shared a video on her Instagram page following her recent trip to Barcelona.
She is seen in the clip smiling next to various anti-tourist messages spray-painted on walls across the city.
She captioned the images: “Thanks Barcelona for the very warm welcoming.”
It comes after the Catalan capital grabbed headlines around the world this summer following a string of protests against excessive tourism.
Demonstrators even targeted people with water guns while they were eating at restaurants and bars.
Locals rushed to the comments section of the clip to explain their point of view, with some being more harsh than others.
One user wrote: “Indeed, we don’t want you here, bye bye!”, while another commented: “If you couldn’t afford to live in your city because all the prices are now tailored to salaries of other nations… you wouldn’t be welcoming them either.”
However others sought to provide some context and gave advice to holidaymakers visiting Spain.
One woman said: “Spaniard here! And the problem is that many landlords have decided to kick out entire families from their flats to turn them into Airbnbs, so locals can’t really afford to live in Barcelona anymore.
“Also there are some tourists that don’t respect the city in general… however people in Spain are generally welcoming if you need help and want to follow a more ‘ethical tourism’.”
The user advised people to visit independent cafes and restaurants ‘instead of McDonald’s’ and to ‘use hotels and hostels when possible’.
She added: “And overall, please please please don’t make the beaches and streets dirty and don’t expect everyone to speak your language.
“These little changes will make locals’ lives easier and YOU will have a better immersion into the local culture, it’s a win-win.”
Another user agreed, writing: “Maybe just listen to the advice, I can’t afford rent because of Airbnbs”, while one said: “Correct, we are overwhelmed by tourism.”
I first visited Barcelona in 1985. I remember reading at that time that tourism accounted for only 2% of the city’s economy. The local authorities wanted to increase this to 15%. Now that they have succeeded, they are not happy about it. Don’t blame the tourists. The increase in the level of tourism is the result of deliberate action by the local authorities.
Dear Spaniards,
Tourists eat. Tourists drink. Tourists spend money. And yes, Tourists go home. We adore you and your country; hence we visit. We feel your pain; you would rather we stay. Your graffitied laments are shared by us, the disappointment common.
But, by definition, ‘tourists’ usually visit locations briefly. Your spray-painted expressions of woe accurately reflect reality; sadly, we will depart. Sadly we will depart.
I am reminded of ‘Romans, go home’*, appreciative of your statement, as opposed to command. Be assured, we will return
Thank you
* http://montypython.50webs.com/scripts/Life_of_Brian/9.htm