Rise in tourism in Barcelona sees return of old problems

Summary

The neighborhood of Raval in Barcelona, once considered dangerous, is now undergoing gentrification, partly due to the rise of short-term vacation rentals. This shift has benefitted landlords but led to rising housing costs, pushing out locals. The city's tourism has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with around 8 million visitors this year. Authorities are working to balance the booming tourist economy with local community needs by regulating short-term rentals. However, critics believe more can be done to protect vulnerable residents in central neighborhoods like Raval.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Raval is a neighborhood in Barcelona, just a short walk from Las Ramblas.
• 🔄 The neighborhood has undergone significant transformation in recent years, shifting from being considered dangerous to becoming more gentrified.
• 🏠 The rise of short-stay vacation platforms has shifted tourists from traditional hotels to apartments in neighborhoods like Raval.
• 💰 This trend has benefited landlords but has created resentment among the local community as it changes the neighborhood dynamics.
• 📈 Just a few years ago, a two-bedroom apartment in Raval cost around $750; now, the price has almost doubled, making it unaffordable for many locals.
• 🧳 Tourism in Barcelona has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with almost 8 million visitors this year.
• 🌍 This influx of tourists is more than four times the population of the city's residents, presenting a challenge for city authorities.
• ⚖️ A major challenge for city officials is balancing the thriving tourism economy with the needs of the local community.
• 🚫 Barcelona was one of the first cities to regulate short-term rentals, requiring landlords to obtain a special tourist rental license, with no new licenses issued in the past eight years.
• 💬 Critics and local groups believe more actions can be taken to support the most vulnerable residents in neighborhoods like Raval.

Q & A

What is Raval and where is it located?

Raval is a neighborhood located a short walk from Barcelona's most famous street, Las Ramblas.

How has Raval changed in recent years?

Raval has undergone significant transformation, evolving from a once dangerous area to a neighborhood experiencing gentrification.

What role have short-stay vacation platforms played in Raval's transformation?

Short-stay vacation platforms have attracted tourists to stay in apartments instead of traditional hotels, contributing to the gentrification of Raval.

How has gentrification in Raval affected local residents?

Gentrification has driven up apartment prices, leading to locals being priced out of their neighborhoods and creating resentment within the community.

What was the typical cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Raval a few years ago, and how has it changed?

A few years ago, a two-bedroom apartment in Raval cost around $750, but now that price has nearly doubled.

How has tourism in Barcelona rebounded after the pandemic?

Tourism in Barcelona is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, with close to 8 million visitors in the past year, more than four times the city's population.

What is one of the biggest challenges Barcelona authorities face due to tourism?

One of the biggest challenges is balancing Barcelona's successful tourist economy with the needs of the local community, particularly in neighborhoods like Raval.

How has Barcelona regulated the short-term rental market?

Barcelona has regulated short-term rentals by requiring landlords to have a special tourist rental license, and no new licenses have been issued in the past eight years.

What actions have been taken to address illegal short-term rentals?

Barcelona authorities have worked directly with online platforms to help remove illegal short-term rentals in an effort to rebalance the housing market for locals.

What do critics and pressure groups believe needs to be done to address the issues caused by tourism?

Critics and pressure groups argue that more can be done to protect vulnerable residents in city center neighborhoods like Raval, which have been impacted by tourism-driven gentrification.