Barcelona Proposes Cruise Tourist Tax Hike

Barcelona's mayor, Jaume Collboni, has announced plans to significantly increase the tourist tax for cruise passengers staying less than 12 hours, as part of broader efforts to combat the negative impacts of mass tourism. This move is in response to widespread protests across Spain, where residents blame tourists for driving up housing costs and reducing the quality of life. Collboni, a member of the Catalan Socialist party, also plans to ban short-term tourist apartment rentals by 2028. Currently, the tax for short-term cruise visitors is €7 (£6) per day, but the exact amount of the proposed increase has not been disclosed. The proposal will need approval from the Catalan regional government. Despite tourism being a significant part of the economy, locals have expressed frustration through protests, including spraying tourists with water guns and blocking hotel exits.