1. Barcelona’s mayor, James Collboni, announced that he will raise the tourist tax for cruise ship passengers who spend less than 12 hours in the city.
2. The decision is part of a broader strategy to address overtourism and its effects on the city, an issue also highlighted by local civic movements.
3. The most significant measure to be implemented is the revocation of licenses for more than 10,000 Airbnb-style accommodations by 2028.
Barcelona’s mayor, James Collboni, announced that he will raise the tourist tax for cruise ship passengers who visit the city for less than 12 hours. The current tax for these passengers is €7.
This decision is part of broader efforts to address the impacts of overtourism in Barcelona, an issue that local movements have also raised.
Four weeks ago, Mayor Collboni, a member of the Catalan Socialist Party, announced that 10,000 short-term rental licenses would be revoked by 2028 due to Barcelona’s significant housing crisis.
Last year, Spain welcomed 85 million tourists despite having a population of just 47 million.
As reported by The Guardian, there have recently been large marches in Spain protesting the “devastating impacts” that the tourism industry has had on the city.
In an interview with the Catalan newspaper El País, Collboni said, “Barcelona is a city that welcomes visitors, and tourism is a crucial part of its economy. However, I am committed to addressing the impact of mass tourism on the city.”
He adds that tourist accommodations and short cruise ship stops hinder the city’s “pursuit of quality tourism.”
