Visitor numbers to Barcelona, which is hosting the ABTA Travel Convention in October, are down by up to 12% this year because of the economic slowdown.
Barcelona Turisme promotion director Josep Anton Rojas said the drop in visitor numbers, which totalled 6.8 million last year, is similar to the fall experienced throughout Spain. However, he added the strong cruise market and the number of low-cost airlines flying to the city means passenger numbers are holding up well compared to other destinations.
Cruise passengers to Barcelona hit two million last year and Rojas expected this figure to remain static for this year. The increased number of winter cruises stopping at the port, which is the top cruiser port in Europe and the fifth worldwide, has helped boost numbers.
A new airport terminal opened last month, which will double capacity and allow more intercontinental flights in to the city. Both Spanair and Star Alliance members will be based in the new Terminal 1.
Speaking about the ABTA Travel Convention, Rojas added: “Having these 1,000 delegates in Barcelona is important for us as they will be able to see the product.”
To find out more information and to see pictures of the Convention centre and the hotels for the ABTA Travel Convention, go to travelweekly.co.uk/travelhub.