Barcelona Tackles Overtourism With Higher Taxes For Short-Stay Cruise Passengers

Barcelona is set to raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers staying less than 12 hours, as announced by Mayor Jaume Collboni. This move is part of broader efforts to mitigate the impact of mass tourism, which has led to local frustration and recent protests.

In 2023, Spain set a new record with 85.1 million international tourists, and Barcelona topped the list with 3.6 million cruise passengers. Collboni aims to attract fewer, higher-paying tourists to alleviate the strain on public spaces and improve the quality of tourism in the city.

In Mallorca, anti-tourism protests continue as locals demand a cap on visitor numbers to address the negative effects of mass tourism, such as housing shortages and environmental degradation. Tourism accounts for 45% of Mallorca’s economy, but many residents argue that only a minority benefit from the industry, while the majority face poorly paid jobs and rising living costs. Activists are pushing for more sustainable tourism practices and measures to protect local communities.

Both Barcelona and Mallorca are implementing stricter regulations to ensure that tourism is respectful and beneficial to local residents. Collboni has also announced a ban on apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, alongside other tourist taxes. Meanwhile, Mallorca aims to attract fewer tourists who are willing to spend more, promoting a more sustainable and balanced approach to tourism.