Tourists sprayed and pelted by protesters at popular holiday destination

British holidaymakers were left shocked and soaked as anti-tourist sentiment boiled over in Barcelona, where locals sprayed water at visitors amidst cries of "we'll spend our money elsewhere". The confrontation caught on video saw agitated residents angrily challenging tourists and business owners, resorting to water pistols as a means of protest.

The unrest reached a peak when demonstrators, who gathered on the iconic La Rambla, demanded government intervention in tourism management and an end to overwhelming crowding in the city. The protests turned sour as participants also threw objects at bars and those dining within them.

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Photographs depict confused British tourists attempting to continue enjoying their food amidst the turmoil. An estimated 2,800 protesters marched, calling for a shift to an economic model that limits tourist numbers in the Catalan capital.

Protesters wielding signs with messages such as "Tourists go home," and "Barcelona is not for sale," made clear their exasperation with popular tourist haunts. Diners eating out found themselves targets of water and chants demanding tourists leave their districts, the Mirror has reported.

In response to growing concerns around tourism and local housing, last month Barcelonas deputy mayor Jaume Collboni declared a total ban on short-term rentals set to commence in November 2028, aiming to convert more properties back to residential use. Over 140 groups, including residents' associations, environmental campaigners, and labour unions, joined the march demanding action in Barcelona.

Protesters voiced their demands for Mayor Collboni of the Catalan Socialist Party to take action, chanting slogans throughout the protest that insisted on limiting cruise ships and flights, and putting restrictions on sidewalk cafes. Barcelona is seeing an increased backlash against tourists, with blunt messages such as "My misery, your paradise" and "Digital nomads, you are not welcome here" appearing on graffiti and posters across tourist hotspots.

The protests have sparked outrage online. One social media user expressed their dismay, with the comment: "Catalonia generates more than one-fifth of Spain's GDP, with tourism accounting for 23% of that. While some tourism restrictions may be introduced, similar to those in Venice and Rome, attacking people who contribute to the economy is simply unacceptable."

An irritated holidaymaker echoed this sentiment, saying: "Unacceptable, it's just bonkers. Plenty of other places in the world, I'll happily spend my money elsewhere, as will many others. Be careful what you wish for."

Adding to the criticism, one person said: "Spain seems to want to destroy its economy - how very short-sighted. I am sure many visitors will change their plans in future rather than risk being shot at with water pistols, verbally abused or merely robbed."