Text 1: In 2024, Europe saw more anti-tourism protests as locals showed frustration with the harm mass tourism had caused. In places like the Canary Islands, residents protested against crowded spaces. In Barcelona and Mallorca, locals took symbolic actions. They sprayed tourists with water pistols and filled beaches to show how packed they felt. Many European cities have since set new rules. These range from selfie restrictions to entry fees to control visitor numbers. In Lapland, even winter tourism faced pushback as locals spoke out about its harm to the environment. Tourism is set to grow, with Spain and France expecting record visitors in 2025. Cities are trying to find ways to balance the needs of residents and protect the environment. Some cities are trying new ways to manage tourism better. For example, Copenhagen’s CopenPay project rewards travellers with free entry to cultural sites if they show eco-friendly behaviors. In other places, countries like Italy, Bhutan, and New Zealand have raised tourism taxes. This is to limit visitor numbers and help fund eco-friendly tourism. Many locals have also opposed short-term rentals, and cities like Athens and Barcelona are cutting down on them. This is making cheap rentals harder to find in busy areas. To ease crowding, travel groups are promoting less popular spots. They urge tourists to explore beyond the main attractions. People who promote eco-friendly travels suggest that travelers look into new places and choose paths that are not as crowded. This way, they can enjoy more genuine and quieter experiences. Text 2: Barcelona’s rise as a top tourist destination began with the 1992 Olympics. The city has been improving its beaches and promoted its Mediterranean charm. Today, around 32 million tourists visit each year. Many stay only briefly or arrive on cruise ships. They crowd popular spots like La Rambla and the Sagrada Familia. This creates congestion and an uncomfortable experience for locals and other visitors. Tourists primarily spend money in these central areas, benefiting only a small part of the city. It is unfortunate that tourism has driven up housing prices. Short-term rentals, often through online marketplace, have made it hard for locals to afford rent. Many are forced to move out of the city. Mayor Ada Colau has spoken out, saying tourism is hurting residents’ quality of life. A survey from 2015 showed problems like overcrowding, loss of local identity, and low-paying jobs in tourism. These issues have made daily life harder for many residents. Rising rents have also led to more empty apartments owned solely for tourism. As tourist-focused businesses replace local shops, the neighborhoods feel different. Locals feel like their city is becoming less for them and more for visitors. They feel frustrated that their city seems to cater mostly to tourists.
According to Text 1, what action did some locals take in Barcelona and Mallorca to protest the effects of mass tourism?
- A.Organizing anti-tourism marches
- B.Blocking major tourist attractions
- C.Spraying tourists with water pistols
- D.Holding online campaigns against tourism
- E.Distributing leaflets to tourists about responsible travel