Barcelona plans to increase tourist tax for cruise passengers to promote sustainable tourism

In a bid to promote sustainable tourism and address the strain on public resources, Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, has announced plans to raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers visiting the city for less than 12 hours. Currently set at 7 euros ($7.61) per day, the tax for stopover cruise passengers will be substantially increased, although the exact amount was not specified.

Collboni stated in an interview with El Pais newspaper that the intensive use of public space by stopover cruise passengers without any significant benefit to the city has led to a sense of occupation and saturation. Barcelona aims to foster tourism that respects the destination and contributes positively to the local community.

The proposed increase in the tourist tax for cruise passengers aligns with the city’s objective of ensuring that tourists, rather than local taxpayers, bear the cost of funding local projects such as air-conditioning schools. However, the proposal will require approval from the Catalan regional government, as it involves changes to tax regulations.

This move comes amidst a backdrop of anti-tourism activism in several popular Spanish holiday destinations, including Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and the Canary Islands. Protesters argue that the influx of visitors drives up housing costs, making it increasingly difficult for residents to afford living in city centers. As a response to these concerns, a protest is scheduled in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, on Sunday evening.

Furthermore, Collboni recently announced another measure aimed at addressing housing affordability. Barcelona intends to prohibit apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, a decisive step to curb soaring housing costs and create a livable city for its residents.

By implementing these measures, Barcelona seeks to strike a balance between tourism and the well-being of its citizens. The increased tourist tax for cruise passengers and the future ban on apartment rentals aim to promote sustainable tourism practices, protect the local housing market, and ensure that Barcelona remains an attractive and livable city for both residents and visitors.