Protesters in Barcelona have used water guns to target tourists as part of widespread demonstrations against the influx of visitors to the city.

Images captured people marching through the streets and confronting diners seated outside restaurants.

Water-filled guns were aimed at those believed to be tourists.

Campaigners also taped up exits to prevent guests from leaving their hotels.

Thousands of people are protesting in downtown Barcelona against the city's tourist overcrowding. Image: LaPresse / Alamy Stock Photo

Thousands reportedly participated in the protest against mass tourism in the Catalan capital, which welcomed over 12 million visitors in 2023 and expects even more in 2024.

Rising housing and rental costs in Spain, along with the increasing prices of goods, have been attributed to the surge in tourism.

There is also growing frustration directed at tourists due to water shortages linked to climate change.

This latest demonstration is part of a summer of protests across Spain and its regions.

Protestors held back from police at the anti-tourism protest in Barcelona. Image: Sipa USA / Alamy Stock Photo

In the Balearic Islands, thousands marched against mass tourism and overcrowding, with demonstrators in Menorca and Majorca calling for more sustainable tourism.

In response to mounting local anger, Spain's government announced a crackdown on short-term and seasonal holiday rentals.

Consumer rights minister Pablo Bustinduy stated that platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com would be scrutinised to ensure listings are licensed.

According to property website Idealista, rents increased by an average of 13% in June compared to the previous year, with tourist cities like Barcelona and Madrid seeing rises of up to 18%.

Tourists sit outside a restaurant and watch the anti-tourism protest pass by. Image: ZUMA Press Inc / Alamy Stock Photo

Barcelona's mayor, Jaume Collboni, has proposed phasing out all short-term lets in the city by 2028.

Tourism apartment owners have criticised the plan and Spain's Constitutional Court is currently reviewing its legality.

Concerns are also growing over the impact of tourism on water resources, with many parts of Spain continuing to face drought conditions and water use restrictions.

Heatwaves have exacerbated challenges across southern Europe, with reports of hotels in Sicily turning away guests due to insufficient water for showers and toilets.

Reporting from IRN.

Main image: Protestors hold up an anti-tourism sign in Barcelona. Image: SOPA Images Limited / Alamy Stock Photo