Barcelona is responding to rising concerns about overcrowding and overtourism linked to cruise ships by planning a significant redevelopment of its seaport. As the largest cruise port in Europe, the city recorded a 20% increase in cruise passengers from 2018 to 2024, with 3.65 million visitors last year alone. In light of this growth, Mayor Jaume Collboni is advocating for limits on cruise tourism, including a proposal to raise tourist taxes.
To address these issues, the Barcelona City Council and the Port of Barcelona have agreed to reduce the number of cruise terminals from seven to five by 2030, which will lower the maximum daily passenger capacity from 37,000 to 31,000. This initiative will involve the demolition of three outdated terminals and the construction of a new public terminal designed for 7,000 passengers, focusing on home port cruises and smaller vessels.
Investments totaling €185 million ($215 million) will be allocated for these upgrades, including a €50 million overhaul of the wharf to install onshore power supply systems. This modernization aims to reduce emissions and enhance the sustainability of cruise operations, with work expected to begin next year and conclude by 2030. Despite the cruise sector’s economic contributions, Barcelona is prioritizing a more sustainable tourism model.
