A Barcelona tour guide’s video has gone viral on social media, in which she explains why locals are growing increasingly resentful of tourists.
In the video, Silvia, the tour guide, reveals that her friends have begun expressing their dislike for tourists, leading to her heartfelt appeal to visitors.
The viral video has once again brought attention to the management of tourism in Barcelona — including its rising crime rates — highlighting why it remains a contentious issue in the Catalan capital city. Barcelona, one of Spain’s most visited cities, has seen a rising anti-tourism sentiment over the years.
The concept of ‘turismo phobia’ and campaigns against overcrowding, which are now spreading to other Spanish regions, originated in Barcelona, with the issue regularly making headlines each summer.
Aware of this, Silvia shared her thoughts a few weeks ago, which continue to resonate today. As a tour guide in Barcelona, she strives to provide personalised and sustainable experiences for her groups.
Recently, before commencing a bus tour with a group of visitors, she felt compelled to make a statement. She posted the clip on her Instagram profile (@afriendinthecity), where it has since garnered significant online interest.
“Before a guide, I am a traveller. I have travelled a lot and I had many opportunities to make mistakes on my travels,” Silvia begins, candidly addressing her travellers from the aisle of the coach before divulging her insights. “When we visit a place, we are very vulnerable, but you have an impact on the place you are visiting,” she proclaims before diving into the crux of her message.
With the microphone firmly in hand, as is customary for tour guides, Silvia imparts a stark reality: “In Barcelona people are moving away. I’ve started hearing my friends say ‘I hate tourists.’”
“How do I feel if I experience this as a tourist? I feel bad,” says the Catalan with a despairing expression.
Determined to not have them contribute to the existing issues, she earnestly tells her client passengers, “For all these reasons I don’t want us to be part of the problem,” before guiding them towards a solution: “avoid it” by simply “choosing well and making smart decisions.”
She delves deeper into the tensions stoking the disagreements between residents and visitors, pointing out that “all the traditional shops are closing so that American brands can open.”
Highlighting the sense of cultural encroachment, Silvia notes that some locals perceive tourists as “invading them”.
To illustrate her point, she cites the typical souvenir purchase: “a T-shirt with ‘I love Barcelona’” for example, becomes problematic “if it’s made in India” because “you’re not really showing your love for Barcelona”. Silvia goes on to impress upon her audience the importance of sustaining local artisans and craft businesses who “have no support”.
“It’s not obvious and when you’re far from home it’s easy to go for things that seem familiar,” she muses, contemplating the tendency for many to gravitate towards well-known chains or typical mementos.
“Just making you think about all this is enough for me,” Silvia ends her musings as she stands before her ensemble of travellers.
Social media has been awash with praise for Silvia’s insights, with dozens of users — ranging from both Barcelona locals to a wider travel audience — applauding her words. While one user appreciatively commented: “Good reflection for those who are coming on a trip and those of us who will be going soon.”
A second comment lauded Silvia and celebrated her approach: “Thanks for doing your bit. If only all guides would lead by example.”
While a third user expressed their gratitude: “Thank you Silvia. The truth is that we Barcelonians are a little bit burnt out.”