Barcelona is implementing a stringent crackdown on tourism, with officials declaring “Not one tourist more” as locals revolt against overwhelming crowds that are driving up housing costs and straining public services. The city is significantly increasing taxes on cruise passengers, with those staying less than 12 hours potentially facing a €30 fee, a substantial hike from the previously planned €8. This move is part of a broader strategy to curb mass tourism, which has led to protests where residents have voiced their anger with slogans like “One more tourist, one less resident.” The city aims to cap tourist numbers at its 2025 level of 15.7 million, seeking to preserve the quality of life for residents and ensure that local businesses and neighborhoods remain accessible to them, rather than being solely dominated by souvenir shops and tourist-oriented services. Officials emphasize that the goal is not to deter visitors entirely but to attract a more sustainable and diverse type of tourism that benefits the city and its inhabitants.
Adapted from: Travel News Today on Fox News
