If you have not been to Barcelona, you nearly actually know somebody who has. The capital of Catalonia – well-known for its modernist structure, world-renowned museums and up to date foodie scene – welcomed 16 million guests final 12 months, a determine that has been rising considerably since its post-pandemic ranges of round 12.4 million in 2022.
As a consequence, the town noticed a number of the largest anti-tourism protests in June 2025, when main cities throughout southern Europe protested in opposition to over-tourism and its native influence.
In Barcelona, many residents really feel that the town’s “touristification” contributes to its rising housing and affordability disaster, overcrowding, lack of native tradition, and environmental pressure. In June 2024, Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, introduced plans to ban short-term leases by 2028. The Catalan authorities has additionally introduced that it’ll improve tourist taxes within the area, with guests to Barcelona quickly having to pay extra for an in a single day keep.
Starting in April, these planning to go to Barcelona could have to pay double the present tourist tax for in a single day stays, in a bid to assist cut back tourist numbers forward of the busy summer season season.
Those staying in vacation rental residences can pay a most of €12.50 per evening, which will probably be a rise from €6.25, making it one of many highest levies in Europe.
But guests staying in accommodations will see the sharpest improve, with taxes reportedly growing from between €5 and €7.50, to between €10 and €15, relying on the lodge’s star ranking.
According to the legislation enacting the tourist tax, 25 per cent of the income raised will probably be spent on the town’s housing disaster. However, the plans have obtained some backlash, notably amongst lodge house owners who’re involved the tax rise might drive away too many guests.
Manel Casals, common director of Barcelona’s hoteliers’ group, mentioned that plans to elevate the tourist tax regularly, so as to monitor its results, have been ignored.
“One day they will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs,” he mentioned, in accordance to Reuters.