This apparent contradiction between saturation and economic value underscores a clear social demand: tourism must be better managed through more effective public policies, a fairer distribution of visitor flows, and regulations that foster coexistence between tourists and residents. Citizens are not rejecting tourism itself, but rather the negative consequences that arise when it is poorly planned or regulated.
The barometer also indicates a shift in residents’ priorities regarding tourism. More and more people are calling for a more sustainable model—one that respects the environment and prioritizes quality over quantity. In addition, there is increasing concern about access to housing, one of the most pressing issues in the Catalan capital. Many residents associate the boom in tourist accommodations with rising rents and the displacement of locals from historic neighborhoods. In this context, the City Council's measures to limit short-term rental licenses and crack down on illegal listings have been positively received by much of the public.
Perceptions of tourism are also influenced by the current economic climate and personal experiences. Those who work in the sector, directly or indirectly, tend to have a more favorable view, while those who experience the negative effects of overcrowding—such as noise, public transport congestion, or the loss of neighborhood identity—are more likely to take a critical stance. This duality calls for a deep reflection on the city’s tourism model, one that balances the ability to attract visitors with respect for residents’ daily lives.
Although the debate is not new, the barometer results show it is intensifying. Citizens are calling for bold measures, not just to limit tourist flows, but to promote a more responsible form of tourism—with a diverse, year-round, and geographically balanced offering. Quality tourism—focused on culture, science, sports, or gastronomy—is seen as a more sustainable alternative to mass tourism concentrated in a few central hotspots.
Barcelona faces the challenge of remaining an open, global city without losing its identity or compromising the well-being of its inhabitants. Public opinion, as revealed by this latest barometer, demands new forms of tourism governance that place people at the center and embrace intelligent, participatory, and sustainable planning. The city’s future depends on finding a delicate but achievable balance: welcoming without being overwhelmed, generating wealth without deepening inequality, and preserving the essence of Barcelona without closing its doors to the world.
