- Barcelona receives around 4.0 million cruise passengers per year.
- Average local spending reaches €255 per homeport passenger.
- The cruise industry contributed €11.9 million in taxes to the city council in 2024.
- Over 60pc of cruise travellers return to destinations first visited by cruise.
- International visitor demand in Barcelona showed softening trends in 2024-2025.
The World Travel and Tourism Council has expressed concern over proposed increases to Barcelona’s tourist tax on short-stay cruise passengers. WTTC warned that the measure could affect the city’s competitiveness and local economy. The organisation called for collaboration with the tourism sector on balanced solutions.
The statement took place in response to the tax proposal. Gloria Guevara highlighted potential impacts on visitor spending and jobs. Barcelona welcomes around 4.0 million cruise passengers annually with high per passenger spending.
WTTC pointed to evidence from other destinations where tax hikes led to reduced economic contributions. The council offered to work with stakeholders to support sustainability while protecting economic benefits.
Gloria Guevara shared “While we understand the complex challenges of managing a world-class destination, the proposal to increase the tourist tax on short-stay cruise passengers could place Barcelona at a competitive disadvantage compared to other Mediterranean ports. We believe that long-term, sustainable growth in any major destination depends on effective, proactive planning and deep public and private stakeholder engagement at all levels.”
