Barcelona is set to raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers who visit the city for less than 12 hours. Mayor Jaume Collboni, in an interview published on Sunday, announced the plan, stating that the current tourist tax for stopover cruise passengers is 7 euros ($7.61) per day. While he did not disclose the exact amount of the proposed increase, he emphasized the need for a “substantial” hike.
Collboni justified the decision by pointing out the strain placed on public resources by short-stay tourists. He argued that these passengers heavily utilize public spaces without contributing significantly to the city’s well-being, creating a feeling of overcrowding and saturation. “We want to have tourism that is respectful of the destination,” he told El Pais newspaper.
He further stressed the need for tourists to share the responsibility of funding local projects, such as air-conditioning schools, rather than solely relying on local taxpayers. The proposal, however, requires approval from the Catalan regional government.
This announcement comes amidst growing concerns about overtourism in Spain. In recent weeks, anti-tourism activists have staged protests in various popular holiday destinations, including Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and the Canary Islands. These protests highlight the rising housing costs and displacement of residents due to the influx of tourists, making it challenging for them to afford living in city centers. Another protest is scheduled for Sunday evening in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the largest Balearic Island.
Collboni’s announcement also follows his declaration last month that the city will ban apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. This drastic measure aims to curb soaring housing costs and ensure the city remains livable for its residents.
