Whenever I post something about being anti-overtourism on social media I end up getting flack from (some) people calling me a hypocrite because I “live from tourism”. They can’t seem to grasp that being anti-overtourism doesn’t mean I’m anti-tourist. Heck it’s not even the same issue. Tourism is fine, MASS tourism is not.

As you all know, I stumbled into this field in 2009 after my “accidental food blog” meant I was getting to know owners and staff in tapas bars in a more personal way. I’d just got over almost 2 years of cancer hell and was ready to get back to work, but I wanted a change. And this proved to be a great new start.

Since then I have watched in horror as my beloved adopted city (1993) has been overtaken by mass tourism, watched neighbourhoods lose their identities, friends lose their homes and businesses… so much loss so that the rich can get richer at our expense.

I fight this by becoming involved. Yes, I still give my tours and tastings (well only the tastings now since I’ve been on crutches since last summer waiting for a knee op) but they are ethical experiences that are totally repectful to the places we visit. Small groups, usually 2-4, max 6.

The places I take people are like my own home. I love them, they love me. My idea has always been to help people experience Sevilla’s tapas scene the way I do. And help give them confidence for when they are out on their own for the rest of their stay.

How would it help the mass tourism problem if I stopped doing this? While corporate food tour companies continue to drag groups of 10-12 people into small tapas bars or other corporate-run bars, offering… what? I am here to show people the difference, how a tapeo in Sevilla actually is.

I am a member of two non-profit gastronomy associations that work directly with the city tourism department. I have a voice there. I hope in time that I may be able to help make a bit of difference, meanwhile I stay in touch, and they know who I am.

Sorry for the rant, but I get so f*cking tired of people judging me based on… nothing. All of the daily work I do towards looking for solutions re: overtourism is unpaid. Only my tours/tastings bring in some income. And with my small groups, I’m never going to be a rich woman.

Anyhow, I know most of you get it and have been supportive, even if we don’t always agree on everything. But it’s always those one or two negative comments that hit you, especially when it’s completely unfair. And then why block me? Why not just unfollow if you don’t like what I post? And then why write a negative comment and leave it there after blocking me? It hurts. But as a friend told me yesterday, that’s the objective of all bullies. To hurt.