Miguel Manich / The Barcelonian / Guiri Kong

Illustrator Miguel Manich was selected by Luisa Vera, the creative lead of the project, to create a cover illustration for The Barcelonian, inspired by the iconic visual style of The New Yorker magazine.

The editorial cover explores the impact of overtourism in Barcelona, portraying the city’s transformation into one of Europe’s most visited tourist destinations. Miguel Manich’s illustration captures the contrast between the vibrant appeal of Barcelona—especially during the summer tourist season—and the daily reality experienced by its residents.

The artwork highlights how mass tourism can reshape urban life, turning cities into temporary backdrops for visitors while increasing pressure on local communities, housing, public spaces, and quality of life. Although inspired by Barcelona, the illustration reflects a broader global issue affecting many popular travel destinations, where the needs of residents are often overshadowed by the demands of tourism.

Created for The Barcelonian, this magazine cover combines conceptual storytelling with editorial illustration, using visual satire to spark conversation about tourism, urban identity, and the future of cities like Barcelona.