Nearly fifty companies linked to the cruise industry in Barcelona have presented the manifesto "For a Barcelona Open to the Sea and the World," a document with which they aim to highlight the sector's economic and employment contributions and participate in the debate on the city's tourism model. The initiative brings together local companies that believe it is essential for cruise activity to be valued from a global perspective, taking into account both its economic impact and the employment and service network it generates.
The manifesto was presented on October 22nd at the Moll de Drassanes, amidst a debate on tourism management in Barcelona and the increased taxes affecting cruise ship arrivals. The signatory companies argue that decisions about the future of this sector should be based on rigorous studies and consider its impact on the economy as a whole, rather than focusing solely on visitor volume.
The document sets out six principles that, according to its proponents, should guide cruise-related policies. These include data-driven decision-making based on verified studies, a comprehensive view of tourism, collaboration among government agencies, the port, businesses, workers, and civil society, as well as legal certainty and regulatory predictability. It also calls for fair and proportionate taxation and a continued commitment to sustainability and the integration of port activity into the city.
An activity with economic and employment impact
The manifesto highlights the sector's contribution to the Catalan economy. According to a 2024 study by the University of Barcelona, cited in the information about the initiative, the cruise industry generates more than 9,500 jobs in Catalonia, of which approximately 6,700 are in Barcelona. The economic impact exceeds €1.2 billion in revenue across Catalonia.
These figures reflect the scope of an industry that extends far beyond the arrival of passengers at the port. The activity involves a chain of services that includes port operations companies, shipping agents, shore assistance, excursions, transportation, provisioning, and other suppliers linked to ship operations and passenger services.
The signatory companies believe that this economic dimension should be incorporated into the debate on Barcelona's tourism model. Their aim is for public decisions to take into account the entirety of the activity and its impact on employment, local businesses, and related services, as well as the challenges posed by the coexistence of the port, the city, and visitors.
Rejection of the increase in the tourist tax
One of the main reasons for the initiative is the planned increase in the tourist tax applicable to cruise passengers. Companies are expressing their concern about a rise that, according to information published about the manifesto, will progressively increase the municipal surcharge for cruise passengers in transit from the current five euros to 24 euros by 2030.
This amount is in addition to the Catalan government's tourist tax, meaning the total could reach €30 per passenger by 2030, according to figures released regarding the measure. The sector questions the proportionality of this increase and calls for taxation to be established using objective criteria, taking into account the real impact of the activity and avoiding what it considers discriminatory treatment.
The tax demand is part of a broader call for regulatory stability. Companies argue that any changes affecting the industry should be addressed with predictability and through dialogue, so that they can plan their operations and investments within a clear regulatory environment.
Dialogue and sustainability to improve the port-city relationship
The manifesto also underscores the need to strengthen cooperation between public administrations, the Port of Barcelona, companies in the sector, workers, and civil society. Its signatories believe that the challenges related to tourism and port activity require shared solutions, based on verified information and a balanced assessment of benefits and costs.
Sustainability and the integration of the port into the city are another key aspect of the document. The sector argues that the evolution of cruise ships must be approached from a perspective that combines economic activity with environmental responsibility and a better relationship between port operations and the urban environment.
With this manifesto, the signatory companies seek to give the cruise industry its own voice in defining Barcelona's tourism future. Their request is that the debate be based on data, dialogue, and a broad view of the local economy, recognizing both the challenges facing the city and the contributions of the companies and professionals involved in this sector.
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