Barcelona Approves 24 Euro Tax for Cruise Passengers
The City of Barcelona will raise its fees for cruise passengers to 24 euros per person in municipal taxes, according to a report by Metropoli Aberta.
The local news source said that the decision was approved by Barcelona’s City Council following a meeting of the Committee on Economy and Finance.
Guests staying in the city for less than 12 hours will be required to pay the increased fee, which was proposed by Mayor Jaume Collboni earlier this year.
The initiative will triple the current tax, an increase that was originally set to be applied gradually through 2029.
While the immediate increase was green lit by local authorities, it is expected to be enacted into law following the upcoming fiscal ordinances meeting, scheduled for the end of the year.
A supporter of the measure was quoted as saying that cruise tourism is currently unsustainable for Barcelona, impacting the day-to-day life of the city’s neighborhoods.
Representing the BComú political party, Marc Serra said that the change serves as a tool to send a message to cruise lines, pushing them to “seek other destinations.”
The increase is also expected to incentivize homeporting operations, reducing the number of port of call guests arriving in the city onboard cruise ships.
In addition to paying the 24- Euro municipal fee, passengers will also pay an additional 6 euros in regional taxes.
Barcelona has also been reportedly discussing limiting the number of cruise guests arriving in the city, considering an annual cap of 3.5 million passengers.
As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the city approved a plan to reduce the number of cruise terminals in its port.
In an effort that also aims to modernize the city’s infrastructure, three cruise terminals are expected to be demolished to make room for a newer and larger facility.
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