Barcelona raises cruise passenger tax to €30

The Catalan Parliament parties PSC, ERC and the Comuns have agreed to triple the municipal surcharge on cruise‑ship passengers who only make a short stop in Barcelona. The total tourist fee will rise from the current €14 to €30 per passenger – €6 set by the Catalan government and a new €24 municipal charge, replacing the previous €8 surcharge.

The tax applies only to cruise visitors who do not stay overnight, typically spending about five hours in the city. Officials say the measure aims to deter mass short‑stay tourism, reduce pressure on public services and fund local priorities. The city estimates the change could generate more than €20 million a year, half of which is earmarked for school meals. The amendment will be passed through a joint amendment to the law accompanying the regional budget, with a vote scheduled for 2 July. The policy is linked to a plan to cut the number of cruise terminals in Barcelona’s port from seven to five.

Supporters such as Barcelona’s economic and tourism councilor Jordi Valls and ERC spokesperson Ester Capella argue the levy balances tourism benefits with residents’ quality of life.