WTTC urges Barcelona to rethink proposed cruise passenger tax rise

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned politicians in Barcelona that plans to increase the tax on short-stay cruise passengers could weaken the city’s competitiveness and lead to job cuts.

The current tourist tax costs cruise passengers from €6 (£5.20) up to €11 (£9.50) a day.

But under a city council proposal, the rate could rise to €30 (£26) a day, reported The Independent.

Any cruises that begin or end in Barcelona would not have to pay the tax, as it is understood that these sailings have a positive economic impact on the city.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and chief executive, said the increase could place Barcelona at a competitive disadvantage compared to other Mediterranean ports.

“Evidence WTTC has gathered from other destinations shows that sudden tax hikes rarely produce the intended outcomes,” she said.

“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.”

The WTTC said Barcelona receives about four million passengers each year, generating an average local spending of around €255 per homeport passenger.

The cruise industry contributed €11.9 million in taxes to the Barcelona City Council in 2024.

Also, more than 60% of cruise travellers return to destinations they first discovered via a cruise, underlining the sector’s role as a gateway for future visits.

Guevara noted Barcelona is already seeing a decline in international travellers due to global economic pressures.

“Introducing further barriers could create an unwelcome domino effect across the wider tourism ecosystem, affecting everything from local suppliers to transport providers,” she said.

“We believe that long-term, sustainable growth in any major destination depends on effective, proactive planning and deep public and private stakeholder engagement at all levels.

“Rather than implementing these taxes, we recommend the local government to work closely with the tourism sector to find balanced solutions that support both the city’s sustainability goals and its vital economic interests.”

She said the WTTC can collaborate with relevant stakeholders “to help identify the best path forward for Barcelona, acting as a partner to ensure the city remains a thriving, competitive, and welcoming global hub”.