"Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia - famous for its modernist architecture, world-renowned museums and contemporary foodie scene - welcomed 16 million visitors last year, a figure that has been rising significantly since its post-pandemic levels of around 12.4 million in 2022."
"In Barcelona, many residents feel that the city's "touristification" contributes to its growing housing and affordability crisis, overcrowding, loss of local culture, and environmental strain. In June 2024, Barcelona's mayor, Jaume Collboli, announced plans to ban short-term rentals by 2028."
"Those staying in holiday rental apartments will pay a maximum of €12.50 per night, which will be an increase from €6.25, making it one of the highest levies in Europe. Those staying in hotels will see the sharpest increase, with taxes reportedly increasing from between €5 and €7.50, to between €10 and €15."
Barcelona received 16 million visitors last year, significantly exceeding post-pandemic levels of 12.4 million in 2022. This surge has triggered major anti-tourism protests in June 2025, as residents attribute over-tourism to housing affordability crises, overcrowding, cultural loss, and environmental strain. The city's mayor announced plans to ban short-term rentals by 2028, while the Catalan government increased tourist taxes effective April. Holiday rental apartments now charge €12.50 per night, up from €6.25, among Europe's highest. Hotel taxes increased from €5-€7.50 to €10-€15 depending on star rating. Twenty-five percent of tax revenue funds housing initiatives. Hotel owners oppose the increases, fearing visitor decline.
#over-tourism #tourist-tax-increase #housing-crisis #barcelona-tourism-policy #anti-tourism-protests
Read at CN Traveller
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