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The Battle for Barcelona

Residents are protesting about the impact of tourism on their neighbourhoods. Can the city鈥檚 activist new Mayor strike a balance between these concerns and the economic benefits?

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, but has it become a victim of its own tourism success? Millions of tourists visit every year, crowding the narrow streets and public spaces, bringing noise and anti-social behaviour to once peaceful residential neighbourhoods. Local businesses have given way to tourist tat and multinational chains, and some residents are being driven out as apartments are rented to tourists.

Tourism is a huge economic boost for Barcelona, but as well as those who are benefiting, Pascale Harter meets locals who are taking to the streets in noisy protests about the impact on their neighbourhood. Are they right to blame home-sharing websites like Airbnb? And, all eyes are on Barcelona鈥檚 mayor Ada Colau, a former activist and one of the key representatives of the so-called 'new politics' in Spain. Can she resolve a tension being felt by cities around the world - between the economic opportunities of tourism and keeping the soul and character of the city that its residents cherish.

(Image: Protesters in Barcelona)

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27 minutes

Last on

Mon 18 Jul 2016 06:06GMT

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Broadcasts

  • Thu 14 Jul 2016 02:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Jul 2016 04:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Jul 2016 05:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Jul 2016 06:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Jul 2016 12:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Jul 2016 18:32GMT
  • Thu 14 Jul 2016 19:32GMT
  • Mon 18 Jul 2016 01:06GMT
  • Mon 18 Jul 2016 06:06GMT

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