Spain launches major tourist crackdown in popular city as Brits affected | Travel News | Travel

Barcelona is taking measures against the rising tide of overtourism by announcing the closure of two cruise ship terminals at its bustling port, a move that will directly impact British holidaymakers and other international visitors. The decision, made jointly by the  Barcelona City Council and port authorities, is part of a sweeping initiative to preserve the city’s livability and protect its fragile infrastructure.

By 2025, only five of the current seven cruise terminals will remain operational at the Port of Barcelona, which is the busiest cruise port in Europe. The move aims to reduce the volume of massive cruise liners docking daily, particularly those that offload thousands of short-term visitors who spend only a few hours in the city before reboarding.

The plan comes amid growing frustration from locals who say tourism has become unsustainable. Residents have long complained of overcrowding, rising living costs, and displacement due to short-term holiday lets.

Popular areas such as La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter are often inundated with cruise passengers, sparking mounting tensions between locals and tourists.

In July 2024, those tensions spilled into the streets as anti-tourism protests erupted, with demonstrators using symbolic acts, including spraying tourists with water pistols to express anger over housing shortages and tourist saturation.

The city’s new strategy includes more than just limiting cruise traffic.

Barcelona is also investing in cleaner infrastructure, including plans for onshore power supply systems so ships can shut off engines while docked, reducing emissions and improving air quality.

Officials are also conducting in-depth studies on tourist movement patterns to inform future sustainable urban planning.

Though cruise tourism generates significant short-term revenue, critics argue the benefits are unevenly distributed, with neighbourhoods and cultural heritage paying the highest price.

The new restrictions make it clear that Barcelona is prioritising long-term sustainability over unchecked growth.