I find the recent decision by Barcelona’s city council to eliminate all tourist apartments by 2028 to be a bold and impactful move. With over 10,000 licenses set to expire, this decision marks a significant victory for locals who have long protested against over-tourism and rising housing prices. The move comes as a response to the sharp rise in property costs over the past decade, with rental and purchase prices increasing by 70% and 40% respectively.
Barcelona’s socialist mayor, Jaume Collboni, highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people can afford to live in the city, emphasizing the need for a better quality of life and affordable housing for residents.… Continue reading
As I delve into the recent news regarding the Maldives entry ban on Israeli visitors, a wave of conflicting emotions and thoughts crash over me. The Maldives, known for its stunning beauty and luxury resorts, has inadvertently found itself in a tangled web of controversy over its decision to ban Israeli visitors, targeting specifically Jewish Israeli citizens. While the constitution of the Maldives declares Islam as the state religion and requires all citizens to be Sunni Muslims, the blanket ban on Israeli tourists seems to stem from a deeper issue – anti-Semitism.
It is perplexing to me how this ban specifically targets Israeli Jews, seemingly disregarding the fact that over 20% of Israeli citizens are Arab Palestinian Muslims.… Continue reading
Well, where do I even begin with this latest development? The Maldives, a country known for its picturesque islands and beautiful beaches, has decided to ban Israelis from entering the country over the war in Gaza. As someone who values freedom of movement and believes in the power of travel to build bridges between people, this decision is disheartening to say the least.
It’s important to note that the Maldives is an Islamic country, where the practice of any religion other than Islam is forbidden. The constitution even goes as far as to declare that all Maldivian nationals are required to be Sunni Muslims.… Continue reading
The recent news of homeless individuals being relocated out of Edinburgh to make room for Taylor Swift fans has sparked outrage and mixed emotions. Some argue that it is a necessary step to accommodate the influx of tourists and boost the local economy, while others view it as a blatant injustice towards those who are already struggling to find shelter and support.
The idea of displacing homeless individuals to make room for an international superstar’s fans raises ethical questions and sheds light on the priorities of society. While it is understandable that successful events like stadium tours can bring significant economic benefits to a city, it also highlights the harsh reality of homelessness and the lack of adequate accommodations for those in need.… Continue reading
Three Spanish tourists killed by gunmen in central Afghanistan. It’s a headline that strikes a chord and leaves many questioning the rationale behind such a tragic event. The mountainous region of Bamiyan, home to the remains of the giant Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, was the backdrop for this senseless act of violence. How does tourism fit into the Afghan landscape, a country marred by decades of conflict and instability? The Taliban, now back in power since 2021, have made efforts to restore security and attract tourists to the region. The irony of selling tickets to access the site of the very statues they destroyed is not lost on anyone.… Continue reading
Islamic State claiming responsibility for a gun attack that killed three Spanish tourists in Afghanistan is a chilling reminder of the dangers that exist in certain parts of the world. The question on many people’s minds is, why would anyone choose to travel to Afghanistan as a tourist? The country has a complicated history, rife with conflict, and is not typically associated with leisurely vacations or sightseeing. Yet, despite the risks, some individuals are drawn to the allure of danger tourism or the desire for an adrenaline rush.
While Afghanistan may have stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, the reality of the security situation cannot be ignored.… Continue reading
Mount Everest: Climbers will need to bring poo back to base camp
As I sit here contemplating the idea of climbers having to bring their own feces back down from Mount Everest, I can’t help but think about the absurdity of it all. But the more I reflect on it, the more it makes sense. Everything that goes up with you should come back down, right? If that’s too difficult, then maybe you shouldn’t be climbing Everest in the first place. It’s a basic principle of responsible mountaineering.
But of course, we can’t expect the wealthy climbers to carry their own shit, can we?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker