The city of Barcelona in Spain is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those on day-trip cruises. However, deputy mayor Janet Sanz has criticised these visitors, referring to them as a “plague of locusts” who do not contribute to the local economy. Sanz has also warned that it is important to prevent Barcelona from becoming a mere “theme park.”
New regulations are being introduced to limit the number of cruise ships visiting the city each day to just three, which will result in 200,000 passengers a month rather than the current 400,000. Additionally, a new cruise levy could be imposed on passengers, although the exact amount is yet to be confirmed. Currently, tourists are charged €3 (£2.58) if they stay at the Spanish port for more than 12 hours and €1 (86p) for a stay of less than 12 hours, on top of an existing €1.75 (£1.50) surcharge.
Barcelona port authorities have refuted the claims made by Sanz, pointing out that around 58% of cruise ships are not day-trippers as they either start or end their trips in the city. Furthermore, a 2018 study found that cruise tourists who stay overnight spend an average of €230 in Barcelona. However, the city is keen to ensure that it does not become solely reliant on tourism and is urging everyone in the sector to take responsibility for this.
Other destinations in Spain, such as Majorca and Lanzarote, are also looking to limit the number of cruise ships and tourists visiting in order to preserve the natural beauty of the area and encourage visitors who have greater spending power.
