A woman left her marriage and job in Poland to start a new chapter in Spain but faced backlash from locals unhappy with the influx of foreigners, she revealed.
Karolina Wachowicz found herself in the midst of the overtourism debate after relocating to Barcelona following her separation from her husband due to feeling overwhelmed by work. She clarified that her choice of Barcelona was primarily based on affordability rather than a strong attachment to the city.
Despite initial challenges of starting afresh without a job, friends, or fluency in the local language, Karolina eventually secured employment and rented an apartment in Barcelona. However, her settling-in period was abruptly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to reassess her plans and opt to remain in Spain.
After a few years, Karolina defied warnings from friends and purchased a flat with a mortgage to establish a sense of stability and belonging in her new home. Nevertheless, her decision was met with resistance as she encountered opposition from locals participating in “Tourists Go Home” movements, citing issues like overcrowding and escalating rental prices.
Reflecting on her experiences, Karolina shared instances where she felt unwelcome and discriminated against as a foreign resident in Barcelona, with visitors also facing similar treatment. Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by overtourism, she highlighted the significant economic contributions made by tourists to the city and country.
Following six years in Barcelona, Karolina made the decision to relocate to Taiwan earlier this year, expressing her belief that the negative sentiment towards tourists in Barcelona overlooks the vital role they play in the city’s development and sustenance of local businesses.
