09 Jun Barcelona tourism rental management: facing the challenges of coexistence

“Tourist go home”: it’s a piece of graffiti scrawl that can be found near many hotels, crowd-prone areas, and offices dedicated to Barcelona tourism rental management. It’s an expression of frustration or even anger from residents who would like to see their neighborhood free from throngs of tourists, but one that contradicts the economic model promoted by the city itself since the 1992 Olympic Games. The complete urban transformation spurred by that event brought Barcelona a new international acclaim that has stayed steady and even grown in the intervening years.

Gaudí’s timeless attractions, the Football Club Barcelona megastars, the Michelin-starred restaurants, and, in general, the aesthetic and cultural offers of this city on the Mediterranean can’t help but bring in international tourists year after year. In 2019 alone, the data reports 9.5 million visitors and 33 million overnight stays. According to the Barcelona City Council, the tourism sector represents around 12% of the gross domestic product and generates approximately 9% of employment in the city. As specialists in Barcelona tourism rental management, we are acutely aware of the multiplier effects of the industry, generating work for contractors and interior designers, cleaning and laundry services, maintenance work, hospitality and dining, transport, and guides, to name just a few.

If tourism is one of Barcelona’s economic engines, and the lure of this city isn’t declining, perhaps it’s time to focus on more positive coexistence between residents and visitors. Putting obstacles in the way or expressing negative attitudes isn’t going to solve the problems, or even dissuade tourists from visiting. Developing new models of sustainable tourism means adopting intelligent strategies so that all citizens reap the benefits. After all, we’ve all been tourists at some point, whether within or outside of Spain. From spending a few days camping in the mountains to visiting another European capital, we too generate environmental and social impacts with our presence. And we wouldn’t want to live in a world where no one expresses curiosity about other cultures or rejects the benefits of experiencing a different way of life.

At Lodging, our experience in Barcelona tourism rental management has made us aware that overcrowding isn’t to the liking of residents, or even the visitors themselves, who might wish for a less cumbersome visit. But we also believe that improving the model and making it viable for everyone is possible. Opening up a real debate is the first step to solutions, and everyone who loves this city and wants to work for its sustainable development should get involved.