America's Cup in Barcelona generated over €1bn economic impact, study finds

The America's Cup sailing competition in Barcelona in 2024 generated an economic impact of over €1 billion, according to a study by the University of Barcelona and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation (FBCN).

The study found a €1.034 billion positive economic benefit for the host venue of the 37th America’s Cup.

Some 1.8 million visitors were counted over the 59 days of the competition, across all free event sites on and off the water, including 460,819 that came to Barcelona specifically to be part of the 37th America’s Cup event.

The 37th America’s Cup created the equivalent of 12,872 jobs in Barcelona and generated €208.5 million in tax revenue, according to the study.

Around 90% of the 380 different event suppliers and providers were locally based businesses.

"Hugely satisfying"

America’s Cup Event CEO Grant Dalton highlighted just how significant the economic benefit has been for Barcelona, Catalonia and the America’s Cup.

"It is hugely satisfying to see that the America's Cup has made such a significantly positive economic contribution to the GDP of Barcelona and Catalonia," Dalton said in a statement.

"The €1.034 billion economic uplift is a reflection of the collaborative and positive approach the numerous host entities within Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain all brought to facilitate the best event possible for the host venue."

"It is also recognition of all the event staff and teams that made Barcelona their home and worked so tirelessly on the event, and of course all of the international media, the volunteers, fans and supporters that showed up in their many thousands from around the world," he added.

Emirates Team New Zealand were victors of the 37th America's Cup, winning for the 3rd time in a row.

Protests against the competition were held by groups critical of the impact on Barcelona residents.