Barcelona has recently announced plans to raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers visiting the city for less than 12 hours. Currently set at 7 euros per day, the tax will be substantially increased for stopover cruise passengers. The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, stated in an interview with El Pais newspaper that this decision comes in response to the intensive use of public space by these short-term visitors, without any significant benefits for the city. The aim is to promote a form of tourism that is respectful of the destination and its inhabitants.
Local Projects Funding
Collboni emphasized that tourists, rather than local taxpayers, should contribute to funding local projects such as air-conditioning schools. This shift in financial responsibility aims to alleviate the burden on residents and prioritize the needs of the community. However, the proposal will need to be approved by the Catalan regional government before it can be implemented.
The decision to increase the tourist tax for stopover cruise passengers in Barcelona is part of a broader trend in Spain, where anti-tourism activists have been protesting against the negative impact of tourism on local communities. Cities like Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and the Canary Islands have all seen demonstrations against rising housing costs and the displacement of residents due to tourism. In response to these concerns, Collboni announced measures to restrict apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, signaling a more aggressive approach to addressing the challenges posed by mass tourism.
As Barcelona grapples with the consequences of its popularity as a tourist destination, the decision to increase tourist taxes for cruise passengers reflects a broader shift towards sustainable tourism practices. By holding tourists accountable for the impacts of their visits on the local environment and community, Barcelona is setting a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges. The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the need to preserve the city’s cultural heritage and quality of life for its residents. Only time will tell if these measures will be effective in creating a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry in Barcelona.