@iguanaman08 that's an extreme generalisation you have there! It's a minority of spaniards causing problems - the majority know what side their bread os buttered
@@jmw950 Thing is though. This has been happening for 10 years now and is getting worse. I was in Barcelona in 2017 and I saw the graffiti. Couldn't see any effort by the local people to paint over it. The Spanish government don't seem to be doing anything about it either. I really love Spain and it's people, but don't feel like I want to go back.
Beyond the economical impact of harassing innocent tourists with water guns I think it is really rude, intrusive and does not solve anything. These people who always find something to protest about should go and harass local politicians a bit. Truth is that Barcelona is awfully crammed but squirting tourists is obnoxious. Some might say it is harmless and playful but I would get angry for the lack of respect and some Spanish tourists in the city might not be as coy as foreign tourists, if I know my fellow Spaniards' hot temper and rough manners when tickled on the wrong spot and time.
People have paid good money to holiday in Barcelona etc. Firing water /abuse at tourists is totally unacceptable. If they want to make a change, speak to the politicians NOT harass the tourists!!! Spain is a service industry and thrives more than ever on its tourism industry- talk about shooting yourself in the foot... 😶🙄😶
@@anthonyferris8912that is true. In Oxford you can often not get through the streets for the hordes of tourist groups. We don’t attack them, just complain privately to anyone who will listen
Tourism is fixated on Barcelona. Spain is a fantastically beautiful and varied country. If Barcelona has a problem with tourists just go elsewhere in Spain. Let them keep their constant whining, graffiti and pickpocketing "culture" for themselves.
I live in the province of Malaga, its no different here. The Scandinavians are buying all the property they can which is pushing the prices of both rental and ownership out of reach. Working people whether native Spanish or otherwise cannot afford to live near their workplace.
@warrenshattock5099 Then contact your politicians to put up legislation blocking such purchases. Like Denmark and Switzerland, which requires must apply for a foreign buyer's permit.
I have a chain of hair salons in Barcelona. If the working week is reduced and I had to pay 12 extra days holiday a year we would need to let staff go. We couldn't afford it. So by trying to help employees they might actually cause more unemployment. And what is going on with anti tourism in the city is disgusting. Catalans love to travel and we are all tourists at some point. Tourists flats are way less than 1% of the city's housing, this is not the reason for high rents. The city needs the tourists.
@@petek5523 The government have put a price cap on long term rentals. So now landlords only do up to 11 months short rentals. And they charge whatever they like. So this is bad for the locals and doesn't protect them at all. Only made the things worse. As BCN is so small there is always somebody that will pay the higher short term rents.
Barcelona, i went once 15 yrs ago, apart from sagrada i thought it was horrible with grafitti and a very unsafe vibe. Madrid is full of culture and safer, but most of places in Andalucia are superb in comparison
I must admit it puts me off going to Barcelona and any of these places. I don't blame the locals but I just don't want the grief and will leave them to it.
I felt really sad Stu to see those innocent tourists sprayed with water x it’s so degrading and they graciously got up and walked away without retaliation x surely this is assault? We enjoy your news x than you
We went to Barcelona in 2023 and the hotel staff was cold at two places, cab drivers weren't nice and I struggled to get a ticket (La Sagrada Familia) on the church website. After telling a staff person 3 times (my credit card was protecting my account) I couldn't do it she let me use a kiosk while other tourists were struggling on their smartphones - they were closing in one hour. There was one kind lady at the Mercat dels Encants, a 700-year-old flea market - she was the kindest person during our visit. We're never going back to Spain.
If native Londoners sprayed water over Spanish tourists they would instantly be called racists and prosecuted. If Spain genuinely doesn’t want tourism then stop flights etc. I wonder what all the workers would do when bars and restaurants close down? Would they be able to afford housing then. We have the same in our cities, hence why people commute in. Be careful what you wish for Spaniards.
The biggest "Demonstration" from the protestors in Barcelona was actually that of the quality of the education received in the city. Are they actually blaming the tourists for bad tourism policies? I grew up in a tourist area, and was priced out by the time I turned 18. I moved to the San Francisco Bay area to be able to afford to live better, and that's saying a lot. That being said, I never blamed the tourists or those that bought up all the houses for themselves, but then again, I'm not a moron.
I know 3 different families who have had holidays in Spain this year and all say never again. During the champions league final in London a few months ago you were all welcomed with open arms. It’s a sad state that Spain has slipped into a vindictive backward mess.
Barcelona thinks they are the only destination in Europe that people want to enjoy? Definitely overplaying their hand. Tourists have all the leverage and they’ll use it.
I have been going to barcelona for many years, i really felt the change in barcelona when i was there a few weeks ago. Spraying people with water while having their dinner is disgusting, everyone should avoid barcelona, leave it with them. Spend your hard earned money where you will be appreciated. Hopefully their economy will go under when people stop going
@@garycarroll5452 Depends where the beaches are. At least in the Pacific the water has too many jellyfish due to over fishing . It's no fun to get stung by those creatures.
They're only apologizing because it will affect tourism who are the ones that put most of money into their city.If they think Barcelona is overcrowded they should take their anger out on the cruise companies not tourists.
This is not a protest. This is assault. I just visited Barcelona for the first time last weekend on my way to visit my son who is living in Valencia for a marine science internship. The people there were so helpful and friendly! I've really fallen in love with Spain, and especially Valencia! I'm so glad I didn't experience this type of aggressive assault as a tourist. I live in Florida and my family has been there for generations. We are having the SAME struggles with AirBnB and home prices. These people act like they are the only ones who are affected by the negative effects of AirBnB and tourism on our livelihood and culture. At no point would I EVER consider treating guests to our country this way (or human beings in general!). I hope the people in this video don't ever even consider coming to Florida or any other city/country. They have no right to expect free and safe travel to when they behave like ANIMALS. Every one of them should be in jail. It has to be terrifying to suddenly have people screaming hatefully at you while squirting liquid in your face that you are just hoping is really water. I'm sure they had no idea if there was worse coming. How utterly shameful.
Im going to Barcelona next week. So im wondering, did experience anything negative? Im wondering about like pickpockets and such. i've heard mixed things about Barcelona when it comes to these things.
@@pattyburger9603 Honestly, I didn't experience a single negative thing, and I traveled solo. I had several instances where people would genuinely walk up and ask if they could help me find my way. My balcony overlooked Las Ramblas and it was active day and night. I didn't personally notice anything shady at all going on. In my opinion, it didn't feel any less safe than a big American city. I think just avoid talking to anyone trying to sell you something and make sure not to make things easy for pickpockets by wearing your bag on the front or a backpack with pockets against your back. Again, just common sense things when in a large city. You will love it. I wouldn't worry. I'm in Madrid now, and it's exactly the same here. It's beautiful and I feel completely safe.
Stop using our USA fears here, its water guns, it was water, but for us, we freak out and think of the worse, I dont even go to large events or South Beach anymore, but here.....if thats a one off thing, they will see that for tourists or US X Pats, its psycholigacally triggering. I think the water gun kids will have their ears pulled and wont be a recurring thing. I was in Alicante yesterday and they had a protest, it was at Plaza De Toros, and there wasnt any of that kids stuff. Im heading to BCN for 2 days and cant to hear what the locals have to say, Ill be watching Spain v UK in a plaza, so Ill keep my ears open. BTW- Staying at a hostel, so im not taking any housing from anyone. 😅
Its BCN, its water. There is petty crime, but no acid throwing, no shooting, no police brutallity. Not condoning it, Spaniards are very respectful, and this is going to have lots of backlash, because its not a country were its tolerated.
@@Snoozzzzzze you are using western countries laws, better inform yourself before you break some young persons jaw for using a water gun, and end up in front of a judge who WILL prosecute you for physical harm, remember its not the USA, no one here is packing , so your defense is not defensible. NOT ACID, NOT GUNS, just water, and you can see its a water gun, not like the states where even their toy guns pass for Assult Rifles.
They are following a plan California has been following for years to reduce productivity and raise the minimum wage. People are leaving in droves. The government wants to help but all they do is make it worse. They increased minimum wage and employers had to let many people go. Barcelona is going to find that they aren’t any more necessary than San Francisco and will lose the quality of life the tourists bring. They are complaining about the wrong things. Approve more building starts to improve housing for one. Make tourists feel welcome. They don’t need you. You need them.
Speaking (Spanish btw) to taxi drivers and bar/restaurant and entertainment venue proprietors the last time I was in Spain visiting Spain and the Balearics, ALL of them, without exception said that their income greatly depended on good summer seasons where lots of tourists supported their businesses. In fact a lot of them closed their doors at the end of October when the tourist season ended. On the other side, a lot of residents liked it when the season ended but even they admitted that they and most of their families all worked in hospitality and saved wages and tips to live on during the winter. I don’t know what the solution is but all this publicity is doing nothing but hurting Spanish businesses and by including all Spanish people in the anti-tourist propaganda, it is doing a great disservice to hard working, friendly people who just keep their heads down and work for their living
I really don't understand what's the big deal with Barcelona. I grew up in Spain and thats one city I don't care to visit again. There are plenty of other nice cities to enjoy in Spain besides crowded, expensive and pickpocket ridden Barcelona.
I bet those people attacking tourists are the same "professional protestors" who voicefully claim to be against xenophobia and racism. I have booked Ibiza and Formentera end of September for the closing parties and now wonder whether I shouldn't have waited a bit. Not because I'm discouraged by the protest in Barcelona but because when enough people cancel, prices might go down.
@BCNpod I get that it's a nice looking place but can you see people spending money on a holiday when the locals are going on like spoiled brats and spoiling people's holidays? And there are plenty other places to go that are better than Spain!
Remember during lock down? They were really hurting because the streets were empty. Anyway, its their country, and they love their protests, they were under a dictatorship for so long, its wonderful they have those freedoms , and whats even better no one has to worry about being shot or attacked, not like in the USA. Ive been to protests in BCN, many women with children participate, its important to keep teaching democratic practices. In fact many countries have joined in protests in soliderety with womens rights to health care, IN THE US. I was here in Barcelona , as an American, during a Clean Ocean March and a protest , Anti Violance for Women. Always peaceful, and family participation.
Agree 💯 about Barcelona, don’t get me wrong I’m glad I went once but never again. I much prefer Madrid and Valencia and I’ll be in Malaga for a week for the first time, hopefully it lives up to its reputation 🤞🏻
Too late Barcelona and Spain ! ,the British have loved ❤️ Spain for many decades they have built many bonds and friendships with the people. But now the lefties are trying to fuck that up as well ! Protect the tourists or they will leave you 😢
I had trip booked to Barcelona, 400€ for the flight but thankfully I now redirect to a different city like Madrid. Barcelona doesn't want tourists, fine by me. They need to educate themselves about who is causing the issue. If they want to kill the revenue stream, well then it's like Germany cutting of Russian gas to be the good guy.
Barcelona is a bit of a dive anyway. Its fun when you are in your 20's but its a full of pickpockets and crime. It's a fun city but not the most beautiful city and definitely not safe from crime. There are just as many fun and beautiful cities in Europe. I feel for the locals though. They've been battling rental/housing crisis for so long. I was there in 2009 and there were protests back then.
That's 15 years ago. So their government doesn't really care what happens to its citizens. Or were there problems because of the separatist movement? Sorry I don't really know their history.
Spain is not one of the richest countries in Europe and tourism is what keeps the economy above the poverty line. Tourism helps to pay for the social services, maintain the beautiful heritage, adds 12.5% to the GDP and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs. The government must guard and protect tourism with all its power. Otherwise Spain will turn into Albania.
There's a channel on RUclips named Adventure Elliot. He shows in one of his videos how the police do not arrest the pickpockets and citizens have formed groups that basically hound these pickpockets and stalk them. Very strange.
I used to visit Madrid twice a year up until last year. As I’m sure you can attest, one of the nicest things to do (in most european cities tbh) is to sit on the terraces by the plazas and enjoy a nice drink and maybe a little tapas alfresco. But last year we made the decision our Spanish city breaks are no more. It’s now literally impossible to enjoy an afternoon alfresco without constantly being solicited by street beggars and those trying to sell you what is essentially junk. This year, I’ve switched to Poland for city breaks. No beggars, no aggressive street vendors. And to be honest it’s quite a bit cheaper. Sorry Spain Speaks. It breaks my heart to arrive at this decision.
Big cities tend to be more stressful. Cars, smoke, noise, high temperatures on the asphalt, etc. I understand that people in their 20s are attracted to them, but I can't conceive vacationing in a big city, unless you live in a very quiet area and you want a change. People who live in big cities like Madrid tend to look for quieter places with more nature, like the North of Spain.
Oh, Spain is more than oranges, tapas and beaches! The historic sites, museums, paradors., the freedom to travel alone in your car or by train. The cuisine is diverse and interesting. It’s a first-world country. You can drink water from the tap. It’s European and safe! Cuba is not like that, for example.
We have to highlight the fact that that some tourists and quite few actually come to Spain with that snobbish looking down at Spanish people ; I came with money and you are here to serve me adding to that some of the repulsive drunkenness behavior that I have witnessed many times in Alicante where I live so no one would mind tourists in general if they behaved as tourists should behave in a hosting country
So who actually sells the properties to those with the foreign money? Other foreigners? There is greed on both sides of the transaction as I was seeing in Majorca 25+ years ago when an area of locals got together in a tourist hotspot in the North East of the island and decided not to sell to foreigners any more for exactly the reasons the protesters are banging on about in Barcelona today. When the highly inflated offers hit the table they sold. Cash will always overcome virtues for many.
YOU DON'T SQUIRT WATER GUNS AT PEOPLE FOR HOW YOU PERCEIVE THEM TO BE. THE ONES WHO ARE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR RENTS GOING HIGHER, ETC. SHOULD BE THE ONES WHO SHOULD SEE THE PROTEST AND THE OUTRAGE CAUSED BY THEIR PRESENCE AND IT'S ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE POPULATION AT LARGE.
Apology to late. And it’s not from the people that did it itself. City is damage controlling. Understandably. Make solid rules for airbnb. Don’t blame tourists. I’ll go somewhere else
Stu, the negative tourist press was shown here also. This won’t deter me from going back. Spain is still a beautiful country and one of my favorites. I spent 38+ years in five European countries, and Spain is at the top.
I wonder how many people who are protesting actually derive their employment from tourism. The airport’s to start with are huge employer’s. I suppose if the airports cut staff followed by the hotels etc. they can always go back to the abandoned villages inland. Housing is plentiful there😎
I've never heard any Americans with whom I've interacted say anything negative about Spain. The general concensus is Spain is a great place to visit and its people muy amable. To reiterate what I've said before, 'just outside Madrid and Barcelona is a place called Spain. Be a traveler and not a tourist and explore it.
A possible problem with a shorter work week is that Spain's productivity may not be high enough to justify a shorter work week. It might cause a rise in unemployment and/or cause inflation. California just gave fast food workers a 25% wage increase. This has caused restaurants to shut down and others to raise prices that already had been rising.
Passing the local travel agents I spotted a 7 days all inclusive holiday for 2 for around £2700 alongside a 7 days all inclusive holiday for 2 for around £1700…Really, why would you opt for Spain?
The Spanish government needs to rethink how they handle short term vs long term landlords. If they make long term rentals more favorable for the landlords they’ll see a quick change.
Council workers in the U.K. have been reduced to a four day week including the refuse collectors. How can a bin man be more productive in less days? Now the workers want overtime for working their original 5 days. 🙄
Many more welcoming countries. I have always wanted to see the Alhambra but don't think I will bother now. I can understand the grievances but harassing individual tourists who are simply enjoying a meal is a bit much.
This bothers me because I went to Barcelona in December and I have traveled the world and I considered my favorite city to be Barcelona after my time that I stayed there during my Christmas vacation. I hope that they will change their minds about tourists and foreign students.
The water pistol harassment of diners has made national news in USA. I feel for the local people but honestly it is a failure of Spanish national and local government to provide low cost housing and regulate housing rentals. I have been considering living in Spain as I speak some Spanish and like the culture, but the various issues are making me do more research. The last thing I want is to live in an area dominated by tourists and foreigners. I want to experience Spanish culture, lifestyle and food. Barcelona is beautiful and I have had great interactions with locals. However there are many other great cities to visit. Honestly I have been to many other cities in Europe I enjoyed more. The Gaudi works are amazing. But after that nothing special about Barcelona. And let’s be honest is is one of the most popular sex tourism locations in the world which does not appeal to me personally. However I do not travel in peak tourist season and have no interest in doing so.
My wife and i live here in spain and have done for 16 years, once your away from the tourist spots in summer (just visit them after mid september), and you'll find "real spain" and very nice it is too, just do it, and good luck
If a population wants to discourage tourism, it's not hard to do. Hostility toward guests will shut it down in a heartbeat. I have reservations to visit Barcelona in the early fall. I am watching this carefully and seriously reconsidering, so, mission accomplished. Good luck figuring out what to do when your local economy falls off the cliff. You only have yourselves to blame, not the tourists.
Stu what impact the legal and illegal immigration have in the housing market in Spain? Do immigration have a more negative impact than tourism or is just similar? Thanks for the good job keeping us informed every day.
Barcelona needs a rest. It needs an intervention, like the way we save fisheries from over fishing. Reduce the number of tourist licenses for a decade and slowly repair the damage. Then quietly welcome people back under the new limits.
@seenyourshine6989 Trouble with that is it all sound too reasonable...And would add there’s a barney going on right now between UK and EU over fishing, with the UK banning bottom trawling fishing from parts of its territorial waters with the aim of protecting vulnerable habitats and the EU unhappy about UK's biodiversity protection measure to ban industrial fishing of sand eels. There's alway vested interests
I used to travel to Spain, never been to Barcelona though… But I’m gonna reconsider where I vacation anymore. I hate it, I loved the Corrida, Bullfight, but I dont think Spaniards enjoy it that much.. hate that The Matadors will lose my $$, but so it is..
@TheOwlsarewatching606 "Back in 2019, Microsoft Japan introduced a four-day working week and reported a 40% boost in productivity. There were similar results from the global trials in 2022 with employees committing to cover 100% of their normal work in 80% of the time." There are more such examples. No one wants to read all that here.
From MIT: "Although the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of a four-day workweek, the reality is that not all industries are currently able to make the switch."
@@toddboothbee1361I do appreciate you providing data to a comments section, but I’m looking at productivity per hour data from 2017 and 2019 that shows Spain very low in per hour productivity. There are several nations that have a much higher per hour worker productivity output with less hours worked, so the question I would ask is whether every economy is capable of higher productivity with less hours worked. Doesn’t seem to be the case using real life data.
Mil gracias por el vídeo Stuart,if we went somewhere and were insulted,like these tourists. Definitely would not return.Your money is good anywhere,and plenty of destinations.was at lake Garda few weeks ago,tourist tax invested in the local area
It is sad that Spanish companies clearly don't have managers that are familiar with modern science: productivity starts to decline after 35 hours. And the vast majority of companies that tried 4 days, rather than 5, found productivity increased dramatically - and retention of staff increased dramatically also. The 40 hour week was a great improvement on wage slavery, but now it is time for industry to move on....Treating people as thugh they are lazy and need constant oversight results in poor productivity.
Unfortunately, Spain does not rank very well in productivity per hour worked. This is according to data I see through 2019. I admit I’m not remotely familiar with productivity in Spain. I only looked into it due to this video? You obviously blame companies. What are the other possibilities? Government, unions, workers?
@@larrys4383 It's definitely a mixed bag of causes - depending on the context (of course). But in our (capitalist) system, the company is the final decision-maker about whether working conditions exceed the mandatory minimums set by the framework of unions, govt regs etc. That's the point I'm making I suppose - a more proactive approach to worker health and conditions ( a modern approach) reaps big rewards for companies....kinda making unions and minimum standards redundant. That would be nice to see everywhere, rather than in just a handful of companies.
Thank you Jose Antonio! My 7 year old Spanish grandson said he didn’t want England to win last night as he will feel “strange” in the final 😂, so sweet. I think he’ll see Spain win though
The protesters are not "misguided". Their goals are to minimize tourism in Spain (and Catalonia specifically). They wish to achieve this goal by making clear tourists are not welcome. Perfectly understandable direct action. The protesters goals are reasonable and they should be heard and respected.
So if a stranger approaches you and throws an unknown colourless liquid in your face then you are happy and support whatever their bullshit excuse is? What if the person was shouting Alan’s snack bar at the same time? Maybe those ‘water’ pistols don’t actually contain clean water?
They were shouting and spaying innocent people with their families and children. That's assault and they should be treated accordingly. These people are pure hypocrites..
I'll never go to Spain again. Too many other countries around the world that want us there.
@iguanaman08 that's an extreme generalisation you have there! It's a minority of spaniards causing problems - the majority know what side their bread os buttered
@@jmw950 Thing is though. This has been happening for 10 years now and is getting worse. I was in Barcelona in 2017 and I saw the graffiti. Couldn't see any effort by the local people to paint over it. The Spanish government don't seem to be doing anything about it either.
I really love Spain and it's people, but don't feel like I want to go back.
Well, the Mayor of Panamá, C. A. is looking for those who were assaulted in Barcelona for paid vacation in our country. That's in Panamá social media.
Thank you!! Good bye forever
@@imb5128 Your loss Carlos. 😆
Beyond the economical impact of harassing innocent tourists with water guns I think it is really rude, intrusive and does not solve anything. These people who always find something to protest about should go and harass local politicians a bit. Truth is that Barcelona is awfully crammed but squirting tourists is obnoxious. Some might say it is harmless and playful but I would get angry for the lack of respect and some Spanish tourists in the city might not be as coy as foreign tourists, if I know my fellow Spaniards' hot temper and rough manners when tickled on the wrong spot and time.
As a Canadian and someone who has never been to Europe but planning a trip there I would be pretty upset to get treated that way
People have paid good money to holiday in Barcelona etc. Firing water /abuse at tourists is totally unacceptable. If they want to make a change, speak to the politicians NOT harass the tourists!!! Spain is a service industry and thrives more than ever on its tourism industry- talk about shooting yourself in the foot... 😶🙄😶
Unfortunately some types of politicians like to blame foreigners, happens in the UK too.
@@andysmo But unlike Spain, people in the UK fortunatly , don’t form vigilante groups and target foreigners.
@@anthonyferris8912that is true. In Oxford you can often not get through the streets for the hordes of tourist groups. We don’t attack them, just complain privately to anyone who will listen
@@anthonyferris8912 they don’t??
Communist activists, pretty stupid as it actually makes the whole anti tourist movement look bad.
A lot of Barcelona and Spains economy benefitted from countless thousands of tourists. Disgraceful way to treat totally innocent visitors.
Barcelona smells like tourist pipi.... that's disgraceful.
Tourism is fixated on Barcelona. Spain is a fantastically beautiful and varied country. If Barcelona has a problem with tourists just go elsewhere in Spain. Let them keep their constant whining, graffiti and pickpocketing "culture" for themselves.
I live in the province of Malaga, its no different here. The Scandinavians are buying all the property they can which is pushing the prices of both rental and ownership out of reach. Working people whether native Spanish or otherwise cannot afford to live near their workplace.
@warrenshattock5099 Then contact your politicians to put up legislation blocking such purchases.
Like Denmark and Switzerland, which requires must apply for a foreign buyer's permit.
@@warrenshattock5099What's it like in the north? Any idea?
@@moonmist9 I live in Andalusia and go to Catalonia once a month. Attitudes are very different.
@warrenshattock5099 I see. I meant north as in Santander, Oviedo etc.
I have a chain of hair salons in Barcelona. If the working week is reduced and I had to pay 12 extra days holiday a year we would need to let staff go. We couldn't afford it. So by trying to help employees they might actually cause more unemployment. And what is going on with anti tourism in the city is disgusting. Catalans love to travel and we are all tourists at some point. Tourists flats are way less than 1% of the city's housing, this is not the reason for high rents. The city needs the tourists.
What’s the reason for high rents?
@@petek5523 The government have put a price cap on long term rentals. So now landlords only do up to 11 months short rentals. And they charge whatever they like. So this is bad for the locals and doesn't protect them at all. Only made the things worse. As BCN is so small there is always somebody that will pay the higher short term rents.
Spain’s issue is that squatters have rights and don’t have to pay rent. Every landlords nightmare.
Barcelona, i went once 15 yrs ago, apart from sagrada i thought it was horrible with grafitti and a very unsafe vibe. Madrid is full of culture and safer, but most of places in Andalucia are superb in comparison
I must admit it puts me off going to Barcelona and any of these places. I don't blame the locals but I just don't want the grief and will leave them to it.
It should apologise to the rest of Spain while it's at it
I felt really sad Stu to see those innocent tourists sprayed with water x it’s so degrading and they graciously got up and walked away without retaliation x surely this is assault? We enjoy your news x than you
We went to Barcelona in 2023 and the hotel staff was cold at two places, cab drivers weren't nice and I struggled to get a ticket (La Sagrada Familia) on the church website. After telling a staff person 3 times (my credit card was protecting my account) I couldn't do it she let me use a kiosk while other tourists were struggling on their smartphones - they were closing in one hour. There was one kind lady at the Mercat dels Encants, a 700-year-old flea market - she was the kindest person during our visit. We're never going back to Spain.
If native Londoners sprayed water over Spanish tourists they would instantly be called racists and prosecuted. If Spain genuinely doesn’t want tourism then stop flights etc. I wonder what all the workers would do when bars and restaurants close down? Would they be able to afford housing then. We have the same in our cities, hence why people commute in. Be careful what you wish for Spaniards.
The biggest "Demonstration" from the protestors in Barcelona was actually that of the quality of the education received in the city. Are they actually blaming the tourists for bad tourism policies? I grew up in a tourist area, and was priced out by the time I turned 18. I moved to the San Francisco Bay area to be able to afford to live better, and that's saying a lot. That being said, I never blamed the tourists or those that bought up all the houses for themselves, but then again, I'm not a moron.
Well said
no tourist no income no homes for locals only migrants.
Is that you Mr. Farage?
That is expected to be true soon after the far left won the French election !
I know 3 different families who have had holidays in Spain this year and all say never again. During the champions league final in London a few months ago you were all welcomed with open arms. It’s a sad state that Spain has slipped into a vindictive backward mess.
I'm from LA was planning a barcelona trip to watch a football game next year. Now cancelled. LOL bunch of lamo's hope they lose on Sunday.
Barcelona thinks they are the only destination in Europe that people want to enjoy? Definitely overplaying their hand. Tourists have all the leverage and they’ll use it.
I have been going to barcelona for many years, i really felt the change in barcelona when i was there a few weeks ago. Spraying people with water while having their dinner is disgusting, everyone should avoid barcelona, leave it with them. Spend your hard earned money where you will be appreciated. Hopefully their economy will go under when people stop going
Some Spaniards have short memories, I went to Gran Canaria just after Covid and some people did not have a days work in 18 months.
@@Penros0 I thought they're mostly concerned with water shortages.
Mexico has better beaches, food, and people. Go there, they’re thankful for tourist dollars.
@@garycarroll5452 Depends where the beaches are. At least in the Pacific the water has too many jellyfish due to over fishing . It's no fun to get stung by those creatures.
They're only apologizing because it will affect tourism who are the ones that put most of money into their city.If they think Barcelona is overcrowded they should take their anger out on the cruise companies not tourists.
This is not a protest. This is assault. I just visited Barcelona for the first time last weekend on my way to visit my son who is living in Valencia for a marine science internship. The people there were so helpful and friendly! I've really fallen in love with Spain, and especially Valencia! I'm so glad I didn't experience this type of aggressive assault as a tourist. I live in Florida and my family has been there for generations. We are having the SAME struggles with AirBnB and home prices. These people act like they are the only ones who are affected by the negative effects of AirBnB and tourism on our livelihood and culture. At no point would I EVER consider treating guests to our country this way (or human beings in general!). I hope the people in this video don't ever even consider coming to Florida or any other city/country. They have no right to expect free and safe travel to when they behave like ANIMALS. Every one of them should be in jail. It has to be terrifying to suddenly have people screaming hatefully at you while squirting liquid in your face that you are just hoping is really water. I'm sure they had no idea if there was worse coming. How utterly shameful.
Im going to Barcelona next week. So im wondering, did experience anything negative? Im wondering about like pickpockets and such. i've heard mixed things about Barcelona when it comes to these things.
@@pattyburger9603 Honestly, I didn't experience a single negative thing, and I traveled solo. I had several instances where people would genuinely walk up and ask if they could help me find my way. My balcony overlooked Las Ramblas and it was active day and night. I didn't personally notice anything shady at all going on. In my opinion, it didn't feel any less safe than a big American city. I think just avoid talking to anyone trying to sell you something and make sure not to make things easy for pickpockets by wearing your bag on the front or a backpack with pockets against your back. Again, just common sense things when in a large city. You will love it. I wouldn't worry. I'm in Madrid now, and it's exactly the same here. It's beautiful and I feel completely safe.
Stop using our USA fears here, its water guns, it was water, but for us, we freak out and think of the worse, I dont even go to large events or South Beach anymore, but here.....if thats a one off thing, they will see that for tourists or US X Pats, its psycholigacally triggering. I think the water gun kids will have their ears pulled and wont be a recurring thing.
I was in Alicante yesterday and they had a protest, it was at Plaza De Toros, and there wasnt any of that kids stuff.
Im heading to BCN for 2 days and cant to hear what the locals have to say, Ill be watching Spain v UK in a plaza, so Ill keep my ears open.
BTW- Staying at a hostel, so im not taking any housing from anyone. 😅
You're right @autumnlynn
The problem is the people squirting water the recipients don’t know it’s water , the police should fine them all what ever there cause maybe ! 😡
Its BCN, its water.
There is petty crime, but no acid throwing, no shooting, no police brutallity. Not condoning it, Spaniards are very respectful, and this is going to have lots of backlash, because its not a country were its tolerated.
@@nursynikki The people who had water sprayed on them need to take legal action!!! I certainly would. There is obviously video evidence and witnesses.
It’s an aggressive act. How are the targets to know if it’s an acid attack. Heinous.
I wouldn’t hesitate to defend myself and family as I would assume the worst, I’m sure that I would be blamed for breaking a jaw or two.
@@Snoozzzzzze you are using western countries laws, better inform yourself before you break some young persons jaw for using a water gun, and end up in front of a judge who WILL prosecute you for physical harm, remember its not the USA, no one here is packing , so your defense is not defensible.
NOT ACID, NOT GUNS, just water, and you can see its a water gun, not like the states where even their toy guns pass for Assult Rifles.
There have been People in the past not squirting water… but Battery Acid, U just dont know what someone is squirting on You..
They are following a plan California has been following for years to reduce productivity and raise the minimum wage. People are leaving in droves. The government wants to help but all they do is make it worse. They increased minimum wage and employers had to let many people go. Barcelona is going to find that they aren’t any more necessary than San Francisco and will lose the quality of life the tourists bring. They are complaining about the wrong things. Approve more building starts to improve housing for one. Make tourists feel welcome. They don’t need you. You need them.
Speaking (Spanish btw) to taxi drivers and bar/restaurant and entertainment venue proprietors the last time I was in Spain visiting Spain and the Balearics, ALL of them, without exception said that their income greatly depended on good summer seasons where lots of tourists supported their businesses. In fact a lot of them closed their doors at the end of October when the tourist season ended. On the other side, a lot of residents liked it when the season ended but even they admitted that they and most of their families all worked in hospitality and saved wages and tips to live on during the winter. I don’t know what the solution is but all this publicity is doing nothing but hurting Spanish businesses and by including all Spanish people in the anti-tourist propaganda, it is doing a great disservice to hard working, friendly people who just keep their heads down and work for their living
I really don't understand what's the big deal with Barcelona. I grew up in Spain and thats one city I don't care to visit again. There are plenty of other nice cities to enjoy in Spain besides crowded, expensive and pickpocket ridden Barcelona.
I bet those people attacking tourists are the same "professional protestors" who voicefully claim to be against xenophobia and racism.
I have booked Ibiza and Formentera end of September for the closing parties and now wonder whether I shouldn't have waited a bit. Not because I'm discouraged by the protest in Barcelona but because when enough people cancel, prices might go down.
Plenty of xenophobia in the balearic islands....
@@LaChicaconSuerte-1111I think the point being made is the hypocrisy of the far left
Boycot the place!!! They will be crying for tourists to come back when they don't have a penny to feed there family's!!!
@BCNpod I get that it's a nice looking place but can you see people spending money on a holiday when the locals are going on like spoiled brats and spoiling people's holidays? And there are plenty other places to go that are better than Spain!
Remember during lock down?
They were really hurting because the streets were empty.
Anyway, its their country, and they love their protests, they were under a dictatorship for so long, its wonderful they have those freedoms , and whats even better no one has to worry about being shot or attacked, not like in the USA.
Ive been to protests in BCN, many women with children participate, its important to keep teaching democratic practices.
In fact many countries have joined in protests in soliderety with womens rights to health care, IN THE US.
I was here in Barcelona , as an American, during a Clean Ocean March and a protest , Anti Violance for Women. Always peaceful, and family participation.
Agree 💯 about Barcelona, don’t get me wrong I’m glad I went once but never again. I much prefer Madrid and Valencia and I’ll be in Malaga for a week for the first time, hopefully it lives up to its reputation 🤞🏻
Too late Barcelona and Spain ! ,the British have loved ❤️ Spain for many decades they have built many bonds and friendships with the people. But now the lefties are trying to fuck that up as well ! Protect the tourists or they will leave you 😢
Anyone gong to Spain 🇪🇸 s nuts
I had trip booked to Barcelona, 400€ for the flight but thankfully I now redirect to a different city like Madrid. Barcelona doesn't want tourists, fine by me. They need to educate themselves about who is causing the issue. If they want to kill the revenue stream, well then it's like Germany cutting of Russian gas to be the good guy.
Barcelona is a bit of a dive anyway. Its fun when you are in your 20's but its a full of pickpockets and crime. It's a fun city but not the most beautiful city and definitely not safe from crime.
There are just as many fun and beautiful cities in Europe.
I feel for the locals though. They've been battling rental/housing crisis for so long. I was there in 2009 and there were protests back then.
That's 15 years ago. So their government doesn't really care what happens to its citizens. Or were there problems because of the separatist movement? Sorry I don't really know their history.
Spain is not one of the richest countries in Europe and tourism is what keeps the economy above the poverty line. Tourism helps to pay for the social services, maintain the beautiful heritage, adds 12.5% to the GDP and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs. The government must guard and protect tourism with all its power. Otherwise Spain will turn into Albania.
Barcelona did not apologize to tourists. The people who attacked tourists are still there and not sorry at all.
Strange that they have not faced any consequences for dragging their country's image through the mud in front of an international audience.
There's a channel on RUclips named Adventure Elliot. He shows in one of his videos how the police do not arrest the pickpockets and citizens have formed groups that basically hound these pickpockets and stalk them. Very strange.
I used to visit Madrid twice a year up until last year. As I’m sure you can attest, one of the nicest things to do (in most european cities tbh) is to sit on the terraces by the plazas and enjoy a nice drink and maybe a little tapas alfresco.
But last year we made the decision our Spanish city breaks are no more. It’s now literally impossible to enjoy an afternoon alfresco without constantly being solicited by street beggars and those trying to sell you what is essentially junk.
This year, I’ve switched to Poland for city breaks. No beggars, no aggressive street vendors. And to be honest it’s quite a bit cheaper.
Sorry Spain Speaks. It breaks my heart to arrive at this decision.
Poland speaks channel Rocks!
Big cities tend to be more stressful. Cars, smoke, noise, high temperatures on the asphalt, etc. I understand that people in their 20s are attracted to them, but I can't conceive vacationing in a big city, unless you live in a very quiet area and you want a change. People who live in big cities like Madrid tend to look for quieter places with more nature, like the North of Spain.
HA! The damage has been done!
Oh, Spain is more than oranges, tapas and beaches! The historic sites, museums, paradors., the freedom to travel alone in your car or by train. The cuisine is diverse and interesting. It’s a first-world country. You can drink water from the tap. It’s European and safe! Cuba is not like that, for example.
We have to highlight the fact that that some tourists and quite few actually come to Spain with that snobbish looking down at Spanish people ; I came with money and you are here to serve me adding to that some of the repulsive drunkenness behavior that I have witnessed many times in Alicante where I live so no one would mind tourists in general if they behaved as tourists should behave in a hosting country
Don't blame the tourist, blame the foreign money that is buying up Spanish real estate and driving up prices for Spanish citizens.
which happens all over Europe
Ahh . So no construction is ok ? .
@@michaeljones3774 No, foreign ownership is not ok.
So who actually sells the properties to those with the foreign money? Other foreigners? There is greed on both sides of the transaction as I was seeing in Majorca 25+ years ago when an area of locals got together in a tourist hotspot in the North East of the island and decided not to sell to foreigners any more for exactly the reasons the protesters are banging on about in Barcelona today. When the highly inflated offers hit the table they sold. Cash will always overcome virtues for many.
@@junuc10 Without foreign owners here , it would still be a 3rd world pre 1970s country decades behind Algeria and Morocco
YOU DON'T SQUIRT WATER GUNS AT PEOPLE FOR HOW YOU PERCEIVE THEM TO BE. THE ONES WHO ARE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR RENTS GOING HIGHER, ETC. SHOULD BE THE ONES WHO SHOULD SEE THE PROTEST AND THE OUTRAGE CAUSED BY THEIR PRESENCE AND IT'S ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE POPULATION AT LARGE.
Apology to late. And it’s not from the people that did it itself. City is damage controlling. Understandably. Make solid rules for airbnb. Don’t blame tourists. I’ll go somewhere else
I have to say, I really enjoyed my visit to Barcelona. Thanks for the update, Stuart 😊
The problem rests with the city councils of these cities not the tourists.
BTW, just did a quick visit to Madrid, and yet again - wow, what a great city, with great people!! (I'm an aussie living elsewhere in Europe)
Soo many Britain's hv settled down in Spain will they hv to leave ..
Stu, the negative tourist press was shown here also. This won’t deter me from going back. Spain is still a beautiful country and one of my favorites. I spent 38+ years in five European countries, and Spain is at the top.
They was lucky it was not a crowd of England football fans .
Their reputation follows them everywhere.
Amsterdam has warned British young people that they won't tolerate their rowdy behavior.
@@ufosrus Dutch stated the trouble.
Dont bite the hand that feeds you.
I wonder how many people who are protesting actually derive their employment from tourism. The airport’s to start with are huge employer’s. I suppose if the airports cut staff followed by the hotels etc. they can always go back to the abandoned villages inland. Housing is plentiful there😎
Or, how many of the protestors actually work?
I've never heard any Americans with whom I've interacted say anything negative about Spain. The general concensus is Spain is a great place to visit and its people muy amable. To reiterate what I've said before, 'just outside Madrid and Barcelona is a place called Spain. Be a traveler and not a tourist and explore it.
Too late TUI and jet 2 stopping holidays to Spain . Turkey now
Turkiye Speaks channel all the way!
A possible problem with a shorter work week is that Spain's productivity may not be high enough to justify a shorter work week. It might cause a rise in unemployment and/or cause inflation. California just gave fast food workers a 25% wage increase. This has caused restaurants to shut down and others to raise prices that already had been rising.
We just spent the last weekend in barcelona and didnt see any problems.
Spot on Stu.... Thanks for sharing ❤
Passing the local travel agents I spotted a 7 days all inclusive holiday for 2 for around £2700 alongside a 7 days all inclusive holiday for 2 for around £1700…Really, why would you opt for Spain?
Lets remembering they're Catalans!
Barcelona is a low to medium interesting city. Over-hyped for sure.
The Spanish government needs to rethink how they handle short term vs long term landlords. If they make long term rentals more favorable for the landlords they’ll see a quick change.
Just think how wonderful al those seaside towns in the uk would be if we spent our billions at home
But you'd have to import the sunshine.
Reducing the working week is actually a good idea, it generally leads to more productivity.
that is rapidly being proved spcious. Particularly in State sector jobs
Council workers in the U.K. have been reduced to a four day week including the refuse collectors. How can a bin man be more productive in less days? Now the workers want overtime for working their original 5 days. 🙄
I thought I was seeing things when I saw your thumbnail as it is Corralejo here in Fuerteventura
Hello Stu. Love your shows, wish I could be in sunny Benidorm next Sunday to be able to watch the game in one of the bars. Go Spain.
Many more welcoming countries. I have always wanted to see the Alhambra but don't think I will bother now. I can understand the grievances but harassing individual tourists who are simply enjoying a meal is a bit much.
The Alhambra is magnificent. It’s your loss. I would reconsider.
@@Ccr4of5 I already have. Over hasty words 😊
This bothers me because I went to Barcelona in December and I have traveled the world and I considered my favorite city to be Barcelona after my time that I stayed there during my Christmas vacation. I hope that they will change their minds about tourists and foreign students.
The water pistol harassment of diners has made national news in USA.
I feel for the local people but honestly it is a failure of Spanish national and local government to provide low cost housing and regulate housing rentals.
I have been considering living in Spain as I speak some Spanish and like the culture, but the various issues are making me do more research.
The last thing I want is to live in an area dominated by tourists and foreigners. I want to experience Spanish culture, lifestyle and food.
Barcelona is beautiful and I have had great interactions with locals. However there are many other great cities to visit. Honestly I have been to many other cities in Europe I enjoyed more. The Gaudi works are amazing. But after that nothing special about Barcelona. And let’s be honest is is one of the most popular sex tourism locations in the world which does not appeal to me personally.
However I do not travel in peak tourist season and have no interest in doing so.
My wife and i live here in spain and have done for 16 years, once your away from the tourist spots in summer (just visit them after mid september), and you'll find "real spain" and very nice it is too, just do it, and good luck
If a population wants to discourage tourism, it's not hard to do. Hostility toward guests will shut it down in a heartbeat. I have reservations to visit Barcelona in the early fall. I am watching this carefully and seriously reconsidering, so, mission accomplished. Good luck figuring out what to do when your local economy falls off the cliff. You only have yourselves to blame, not the tourists.
Funcionarios already work less than 37.5 😂
Bankrupt mentality!😂
Stu what impact the legal and illegal immigration have in the housing market in Spain? Do immigration have a more negative impact than tourism or is just similar? Thanks for the good job keeping us informed every day.
Barcelona needs a rest. It needs an intervention, like the way we save fisheries from over fishing. Reduce the number of tourist licenses for a decade and slowly repair the damage. Then quietly welcome people back under the new limits.
@seenyourshine6989 Trouble with that is it all sound too reasonable...And would add there’s a barney going on right now between UK and EU over fishing, with the UK banning bottom trawling fishing from parts of its territorial waters with the aim of protecting vulnerable habitats and the EU unhappy about UK's biodiversity protection measure to ban industrial fishing of sand eels.
There's alway vested interests
Maybe but physical abuse is not the answer.
Go to Greece is the answer, spend our money elsewhere
@@paulweller7908Follow Greece speaks channel and learn greek language well worth it!
I know 3 different families who have had holidays in Spain this year and all say never again.
It’s coming home..
Come on England.🥳
37.5hrs is normal in the UK
In Canada, too.
Thanks!
SAY, STUART, “MANY THANKS FOR REBRANDING SPANIARD TOURISM;” Y PUEBLO, FELICIDADES!! 😹😹
Thanks for sharing ❤
I used to travel to Spain, never been to Barcelona though… But I’m gonna reconsider where I vacation anymore. I hate it, I loved the Corrida, Bullfight, but I dont think Spaniards enjoy it that much.. hate that The Matadors will lose my $$, but so it is..
Reducing the work week is generally a good idea, at least in part based on increased productivity per amount spent on workers.
wrong
@TheOwlsarewatching606 "Back in 2019, Microsoft Japan introduced a four-day working week and reported a 40% boost in productivity. There were similar results from the global trials in 2022 with employees committing to cover 100% of their normal work in 80% of the time." There are more such examples. No one wants to read all that here.
From MIT: "Although the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of a four-day workweek, the reality is that not all industries are currently able to make the switch."
@@toddboothbee1361I do appreciate you providing data to a comments section, but I’m looking at productivity per hour data from 2017 and 2019 that shows Spain very low in per hour productivity. There are several nations that have a much higher per hour worker productivity output with less hours worked, so the question I would ask is whether every economy is capable of higher productivity with less hours worked. Doesn’t seem to be the case using real life data.
I will not be going to Spain because I have no reason to go to Spain. You tube travel videos are good enough. Form Canada.
Mil gracias por el vídeo Stuart,if we went somewhere and were insulted,like these tourists. Definitely would not return.Your money is good anywhere,and plenty of destinations.was at lake Garda few weeks ago,tourist tax invested in the local area
See you in Italy Speaks channel!
Barcelona is beautiful not the worth of the money its over priced for the things of very little value be it food or hotels
It is sad that Spanish companies clearly don't have managers that are familiar with modern science: productivity starts to decline after 35 hours. And the vast majority of companies that tried 4 days, rather than 5, found productivity increased dramatically - and retention of staff increased dramatically also. The 40 hour week was a great improvement on wage slavery, but now it is time for industry to move on....Treating people as thugh they are lazy and need constant oversight results in poor productivity.
Unfortunately, Spain does not rank very well in productivity per hour worked. This is according to data I see through 2019. I admit I’m not remotely familiar with productivity in Spain. I only looked into it due to this video? You obviously blame companies. What are the other possibilities? Government, unions, workers?
@@larrys4383 It's definitely a mixed bag of causes - depending on the context (of course). But in our (capitalist) system, the company is the final decision-maker about whether working conditions exceed the mandatory minimums set by the framework of unions, govt regs etc. That's the point I'm making I suppose - a more proactive approach to worker health and conditions ( a modern approach) reaps big rewards for companies....kinda making unions and minimum standards redundant. That would be nice to see everywhere, rather than in just a handful of companies.
@@powertrip1050 thanks for the thoughtful response.
We've just got the lady for this Sunday dance. Sweet Caroline. Congrats, England.
Imagine places on the coast full of English tourists mixed with Spaniards. I guess security is an issue.
Thank you Jose Antonio! My 7 year old Spanish grandson said he didn’t want England to win last night as he will feel “strange” in the final 😂, so sweet. I think he’ll see Spain win though
The protesters are not "misguided". Their goals are to minimize tourism in Spain (and Catalonia specifically). They wish to achieve this goal by making clear tourists are not welcome. Perfectly understandable direct action. The protesters goals are reasonable and they should be heard and respected.
Respected, Im not traveling to Spain anymore
Respected??? With those tactics, I think not.
Oh no a little water !!!
Some people really have a hard life
So if a stranger approaches you and throws an unknown colourless liquid in your face then you are happy and support whatever their bullshit excuse is? What if the person was shouting Alan’s snack bar at the same time? Maybe those ‘water’ pistols don’t actually contain clean water?
They were shouting and spaying innocent people with their families and children. That's assault and they should be treated accordingly. These people are pure hypocrites..