Barcelona residents protest on the beach against tourists

Updated

Barcelona residents have gathered on the beach to protest against mass tourism in the city.

One protester said: "I say it again, we aren't against tourists. Those tourists who come here to soak up our culture, book a hotel or a hostel are perfect.

See also: Barcelona passes law to curb tourist numbers

See also: Barcelona bans tourists from famous La Boqueria market

"Those who come and rent a tourist appartment and come here to annoy us, then they can turn back and go home because we don't want them.

"There is no tourism-phobia in this neighbourhood. That is a concept created by lobbies to criminalise us, the residents."

Many of the protesters wore tshirts emblazoned with the logo 'Barceloneta is not for sale'.

Tourism makes up 11% of Spain's gross domestic product and is on the rise.

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