Barcelona, Spain, has announced new measures aimed at managing the impact of tourism on the city. José Antonio Donaire, the commissioner for sustainable tourism, stated that the city is seeking to implement a tax of €30 (approximately $35) for cruise passengers visiting for less than 12 hours. This proposed tax is an increase from the previous municipal rate of €8 (about $9).
The decision follows a committee meeting on July 15, where officials discussed strategies to address the challenges posed by mass tourism. Donaire emphasized that the city is focused on preventing overcrowding, stating, "Not one tourist more."
In 2024, Catalonia attracted approximately 20.1 million tourists, a slight increase from the previous year. Local residents have expressed frustration over rising housing costs and the strain on public transport due to the influx of tourists.
Barcelona's mayor, Jaume Collboni, has proposed increasing the nightly hotel guest tax from $4.65 (4 euros) to $9.30 (8 euros). Starting April 1, the city also raised its hotel guest tax to a range of $10-$17 per person, per night.
Protests by local citizens have highlighted their concerns, with demonstrators advocating for changes to the local economy and expressing their desire to limit tourist numbers. Donaire clarified that the new regulations are intended to attract a more diverse range of visitors, focusing on those interested in business and cultural experiences rather than mass tourism.