Barcelona cruise tax increase opposed by World Travel & Tourism Council

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warned that Barcelona’s plan to raise the tourist tax on short‑stay cruise passengers could damage the city’s competitiveness and hurt the local economy. Current charges total €11 per passenger ( €6 regional + €5 municipal) for visitors who stay less than 12 hours. The proposal would lift the fee to €30, almost three times the present rate.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said sudden tax hikes “rarely produce the intended outcomes” and could reduce visitor spending, potentially leading to job losses in services that depend on cruise tourism. She cited evidence that similar taxes could cost the UK up to £14 billion in international visitor spend. Barcelona handles about four million cruise passengers each year, with home‑port guests spending roughly €255 per person and the cruise sector contributing €11.9 million in taxes to the city in 2024. The council urged the municipal government to work with industry stakeholders to find balanced solutions rather than imposing the steep increase.