The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged Barcelona's government to reconsider its proposed increase in tourist tax for short-stay cruise passengers, warning that it could weaken the city's competitiveness and adversely affect the local economy.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, highlighted that sudden tax hikes often fail to achieve their intended outcomes and could lead to reduced economic contributions from the cruise industry as tourists adjust their spending habits.
Barcelona, a leading cruise homeport, welcomes approximately 4 million passengers annually, with each homeport passenger spending an average of $270 (€255) locally. The cruise industry contributed $12.6 million (€11.9 million) in taxes to the Barcelona City Council in 2024. However, the WTTC warns that additional costs could deter visitors, potentially leading to job losses and impacting local employment.
Guevara emphasised the importance of long-term, sustainable growth through effective planning and stakeholder engagement. She stated, "Rather than implementing these taxes, we recommend the local government to work closely with the tourism sector to find balanced solutions that support both the city's sustainability goals and its vital economic interests."
The WTTC is ready to collaborate with local and international stakeholders to ensure Barcelona remains a thriving and competitive global hub. The organisation stresses that sustainable tourism requires robust planning and meaningful consultation with the travel industry to protect local infrastructure whilst maintaining economic prosperity
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