The humble water gun — the cheap, squirt-squirt variety — has become the weapon of choice and symbol of Spain's anti-tourism protests.

As Europe's dream destinations hit their saturation point, locals are taking to the streets with a message: tourism has gone too far, Travel News News - Times Now

Overtourism is rattling cities across Europe, where some activists blame short-term rental companies like Airbnb for the rising cost of living.

Water guns are back squirting at unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona. About a thousand Spaniards marched to demand a rethink of an economic model they believe is fueling a housing crunch and erasing the character of their city on Sunday.

Spanish protesters march against overtourism in Barcelona and Mallorca as residents face rising rents and displacement, prompting cities to regulate short-term rentals.

Theo Yedinsky, vice-president for public policy at the home rentals company, said that his company was the victim of “scapegoating” by local authorities in cities such as Barcelona, following a spike in anti-tourism protests across the continent.

In the streets of Barcelona, demonstrators armed with water guns sprayed unsuspecting tourists as part of growing protests.

Police cordon off the area as protesters march against overtourism in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Pau Venteo)