Restaurants accuse Barcelona mayor of 'encouraging tourismphobia'

Barcelona's Hospitality Guild has accused Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni of "encouraging tourismphobia" with "certain local policies" following this weekend's demonstration in the Catalan capital.

The security protocol for the protest failed, the association said, and "violent situations" were allowed, including "harassment not included in the right to protest."

"It is a serious irresponsibility. For the good of Barcelona, we must isolate this minority that chooses degrowth and does not offer solutions to Barcelona families," said the guild's director, Roger Pallarols.

The protest, which left striking images of protesters firing water guns at tourists eating in restaurants, made headlines around the world.

However, the hospitality industry is hoping that the incident will not affect the industry.

"Fortunately, tourists and markets know that Barcelona is an open city and a wonderful destination," Pallarols said.

Some 3,000 people from 140 different organizations took to the streets of Barcelona on Saturday to raise their voices against the "massive influx of tourists" that "exacerbates" social inequality, problems of access to housing and the environmental crisis.

Under the slogan “Enough! Let’s put limits on tourism!” protests demand measures to reduce tourism ahead of a summer season that is expected to break records in Catalonia.

According to the latest data from the Statistical Institute of Catalonia, 2 million tourists arrived in Catalonia in May of this year, an increase of 5,9% since May of last year.