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Barcelona's political leadership has moved closer to approving a substantial increase in the tourist tax applied to cruise passengers, although the proposal still requires approval from the Catalan parliament before it can enter into force.
The measure has been promoted by the left-wing Barcelona en Comú (BComú) and the pro-independence Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), with support from the governing Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC). If approved, the daily tax for cruise passengers visiting Barcelona for less than 12 hours would rise from the current EUR 11 to EUR 30.
At present, the charge consists of a EUR 5 municipal surcharge and a EUR 6 regional levy. Existing regional legislation limits the city council's contribution to EUR 8. Under the new agreement, that ceiling would increase to EUR 24, allowing the combined tax to reach EUR 30 per passenger.
The proposed increase would apply exclusively to transit cruise calls, where vessels remain in port for less than 12 hours. Cruises beginning or ending in Barcelona would remain exempt from the higher rate, as these operations are regarded as generating greater economic benefits for the city through hotel stays, transportation services and other tourism-related spending.
The initiative reflects growing political efforts to address the impact of cruise tourism on the Catalan capital. Supporters of the measure argue that large numbers of day visitors place pressure on public spaces and infrastructure while contributing comparatively less to the local economy than longer-staying tourists.
Representatives of Barcelona en Comú indicated that the objective extended beyond revenue generation. The party maintained that the higher levy should also serve as a policy instrument to discourage certain forms of tourism and help define the role that cruise traffic will play in the city's future tourism model.
The agreement between BComú, ERC and the PSC-led municipal administration was announced following negotiations within the city council. During those discussions, criticism was directed at Mayor Jaume Collboni's administration, with opponents arguing that measures to address overcrowding had not been matched by sufficient action and that some planning decisions continued to favour tourism-oriented businesses.
Not all political parties support the tax increase. Some groups have advocated imposing direct limits on cruise arrivals instead of raising passenger charges. The city council has so far rejected the introduction of annual passenger caps, considering such restrictions more difficult to implement. This position contributed to opposition from Junts, the conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party, all of which voted against the proposed increase.
The measure is expected to be presented as an amendment linked to the Generalitat's 2026 budget legislation, with a parliamentary vote anticipated on July 2nd.
Cruise passengers account for a relatively small proportion of Barcelona's overall visitor numbers, representing approximately 2.5% of daily visitors during the off-season and around 7.5% during peak periods. Studies indicate that cruise visitors typically spend an average of 5.7 hours ashore during their stay.
The proposed tax increase forms part of a broader strategy by Barcelona authorities to manage tourism growth and increase the economic return from visitor activity. In recent years, the city has tightened regulations on short-term accommodation rentals and raised both regional and municipal tourist taxes, placing Barcelona among the European cities with the highest visitor-related charges.
Port infrastructure is also undergoing significant changes. Plans announced last year call for the reduction of cruise terminals at the Adossat Wharf from seven to five by 2030. The project will lower simultaneous passenger capacity from approximately 37,000 to 31,000 travellers. Under the redevelopment scheme, three of the oldest terminals will be demolished and replaced by a newly constructed facility as part of a wider reorganisation of the port area.
Should the legislation receive parliamentary approval, the revised cruise tax is expected to take effect in late autumn 2026 or early 2027. Passengers travelling during the current summer season are not expected to be affected by the proposed changes.
Fuente: Cruise Mapper
