WTTC urges Barcelona to reconsider proposed cruise tax increase

International

Global tourism body warns higher levy could reduce competitiveness and weaken the city's visitor economy

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called on Barcelona to reconsider plans to increase the tourist tax on short-stay cruise passengers, warning that the proposed measure could undermine the city's competitiveness as one of the Mediterranean's leading cruise hubs. The organisation argues that higher taxes risk reducing visitor spending, affecting local businesses and limiting future tourism growth.

Concerns over economic impact

According to WTTC, Barcelona has built a strong international reputation as a cruise destination, welcoming around four million cruise passengers each year. Homeport passengers spend an average of €255 locally per visit, among the highest figures worldwide, while the cruise industry contributed €11.9 million in tax revenue to Barcelona City Council in 2024.

The organisation believes that increasing costs for cruise passengers could encourage cruise operators to adjust itineraries and reduce the sector's overall contribution to the local economy. WTTC also warns that lower visitor spending could ultimately affect employment and investment across hospitality, retail, transport and other tourism-related industries.

Research cited by the organisation also indicates that more than 60% of cruise passengers return to destinations they first discovered during a cruise, highlighting the industry's role in generating repeat tourism.

Sustainable growth requires collaboration

WTTC notes that Barcelona is already facing softer international travel demand due to wider economic conditions. According to data referenced from Oxford Economics, transit cruise passenger numbers declined by 3.3% in 2024, while international visitor spending is forecast to grow by only 2.7% in 2025, below the pace of several competing European destinations.

The organisation argues that long-term tourism sustainability should be achieved through strategic planning and close cooperation between governments, local communities and the private sector rather than through additional visitor taxes.

"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.

Barcelona has achieved remarkable success over many years, establishing itself as a global leader in tourism. However, we are concerned that these significant achievements, along with the widespread economic benefits they bring to the local community, could be inadvertently undermined by this increase.

Evidence WTTC has gathered from other destinations shows that sudden tax hikes rarely produce the intended outcomes. For example, the UK economy could be at risk of losing at least £14 billion in international visitor spend if daily visitor taxes of €10 were introduced. Additional costs to visitors to Barcelona would likely reduce the overall economic contribution generated by the cruise industry as tourists adjust their spending habits ashore. This, in turn, would potentially lead to job losses, impacting local employment and job creation within the city's service sectors," said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC.

WTTC said it stands ready to work with local authorities, the tourism industry and other stakeholders to identify balanced solutions that support both Barcelona's sustainability objectives and its long-term economic prosperity.