Reference no: EM133105195

Problem: Barcelona locals hate tourists

In Barcelona, Spain, the increase in tourism and growing counter-movement by locals have been observed in recent years. The aggressive behaviour towards tourists, also referred to by the media as 'tourism-phobia' are exhibited through angry graffiti, passive-aggressive messages and anti-tourist protests throughout the city. These reactions by locals are reported to have been caused by the swelling tourist numbers, which result to overcrowding. Low-cost flights and increasing popularity of cheaper accommodation options such as AirBnB and Homeaway have contributed to the increasing number of tourists. The demand for home-sharing platforms are seen as opportunity for landlords to gain up to four times as much as they would for renting long-term tenants, and 40% of Barcelona's tourist apartments are illegal. Investors are increasingly buying entire buildings where families for lived for generations. These also lead to increase in rent as well as shortage of housing for those who live and work in the city. Hence, the presence of tourists and increasing demand for shared accommodation and other tourist services in the city drive the locals' cost of living higher. Despite the locals' disappointment, it has been reported that about 86% of locals see tourism as a positive thing. What can be done to ensure the quality of life of locals and wellbeing of tourists?

The question is: who is responsible for solving the problem (the role of the stakeholders in the problem solving process) Who should be involved in the possible solution bearing in mind their capacity and resources?