Small Corfu’s big problems

Looking at the similarities and differences between Corfu and Barcelona, it can be seen that a quantitative difference may not necessarily mean a qualitative difference as well. If anything, by observing a large city like Barcelona, one of the seven most visited ones in the world, issues and actions to be taken are highlighted. This discussion was prompted by overtourism and its consequences on the citizen's everyday life. And Barcelona, with a 1.5 million population - 4.5 million with the urban areas - may be a big, Mediterranean city, but exactly the same issues arise in Dubrovnik, with a population of 45,000, which is about the same as Corfu Town.
 
It is evident that people agree and the response to Enimerosi editorial is a great opportunity for discussion, something that is confirmed by the reactions - all of them useful!
 
The major issue in all cases is the capitalisation of turnover in tourist areas; ownership, as it is shaped, and its consequences, especially in small areas. This small similarity, which is used as an opportunity for discussion and political decisions, exists in both Barcelona and Corfu in exactly the same way. The protection of the small, family businesses is linked to the operation of the historical centre. Thus, the preservation of houses or, more accurately, the prevention of turning them into a product of an irrational, profitable and commercial behaviour, also has to do with survival.
 
What is inspiring in the case of Barcelona is the relationship between the attempt to protect people's homes and a philosophy for the functioning of the city, which is represented by the Mayor Ada Colau. Successes and failures provide food for thought and are good examples to follow. During a period of local elections, popularity and empathy cannot prevail.