Residents in Barcelona, Spain, and several other popular European destinations say tourism in their cities is driving up housing costs for locals.

The clampdown comes as protests against over-tourism have begun ahead of the summer season. Demonstrations in the Canary Islands on Sunday attracted thousands of people.

Spain's economy minister Carlos Cuerpo says the millions of tourists who visit the country every year pose a challenge for Spain's residents that the government can no longer afford to ignore.

The tourists who were targeted by water blasts laughed it off. Cities like Barcelona and the island of Mallorca have seen housing costs skyrocket as homes are diverted to the short-term rental market.

Defying the anti-immigrant trend in the U.S., Spain is reaping economic benefits by granting citizenship to tens of thousands of newly-arrived workers.

Canary Islands locals say tourism is important, but the volume is "crushing" them. Spain expects more visitors this year than last year's record high.

Anti-tourism protests have swept Europe, with demonstrations in Spain, Italy and France. But protesters say holidaymakers aren't the problem.

New Phocuswright analysis sheds light on Spain's tourism momentum and what lies ahead for the popular country.

Last summer, Spain saw a wave of protests against over-tourism in many popular destinations, with its impact on housing the biggest grievance.