Barcelona has to regulate tourism, says lobby

The non-profit association, Barcelona Global, has proposed an increase in the city’s council tax on buildings that are completely made up of tourist apartments, as well as introducing a surcharge to the current tourist tax. At a summit held on Wednesday, the organization stated that this would “improve the relationship of tourism” with the city.

At the first Barcelona Global Summit, heads of the group made up of leading companies, research centres and more, also defended the benefits that tourism creates. However, it admitted that there are elements that need to be corrected. These include mass-tourism, as well as problems between residents and visitors. The homogenization of Barcelona was also touched on, as well as the sustainability of its tourist model.

“The managing of tourist flats is something that Barcelona has to apply,” said Barcelona Global’s president, Gonzalo Rodés. “It has to start to regulate tourism,” he went on to say.

Taxing tourism

Regarding the tourist tax, Barcelona Global suggested that it be increased in order to raise six million more euros, that should be set aside to create a Culture Support Fund managed by a public and private association.