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One of Europe’s top travel destinations doesn’t like tourists – at least that’s what you get when you read the unwelcome slogans locals have graffitied all over Barcelona.
The city now has a plan in place that could curb some of this tourism phobia while helping to adapt to climate change.
Barcelona City Hall has launched a new strategy to divert 100 million euros ($108 million) from tourism taxes – the tax tourists pay at the end of their hotel bills – into a fund to install heat pumps and solar panels in state schools. It started.
Leveraging this tax for clear, long-term environmental benefits could change perceptions of the disruption caused by urban guests. Barcelona, with a population of 1.6 million, receives around 7 million tourists each year, putting additional strain on already strained services such as waste removal. To combat this, local authorities are imposing a tourist tax of 2.75 euros (about $3) per person per night spent in the city, which will rise to 3.25 euros (about $4) from April 1. It’s planned.
“So far, we have spent these taxes to compensate for the impact that tourists have on the city, such as cleaning services, safety and public transport,” said Barcelona’s head of economic and tourism promotion. says Jordi Valls. “This year, we have decided to go one step further and spend our tax dollars on financing public services with a climate perspective.”
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona’s climate is rapidly changing as the world warms. The city has become even hotter and drier in recent years, with authorities declaring a water emergency earlier this month following three consecutive years of drought, the worst on record.
High temperatures and a prolonged heatwave are forcing city halls to set up climate shelters where people can cool off in July and August. But the increased heat during the June and September school terms has put a new focus on children, and the classrooms where they spend much of their time.
Barcelona plans to use tourism tax funds to install rooftop solar-powered air conditioning systems in a total of 170 schools by 2029. Where possible, old and polluting gas boilers will be replaced with heat pumps.
“Climate change is affecting children, and schools, the infrastructure, are no longer adequate,” Barth said. “This school project will significantly improve education as a public service while reducing carbon emissions.”
Authorities plan to install 181,000 square meters (1.9 million square feet) of solar panels across the school grounds. This will likely generate more electricity than these facilities need, so officials are encouraging neighbors and other nearby public buildings to take advantage of that surplus power, reduce their electricity bills, and also hopes to provide clean energy.
Barcelona’s plan could provide a blueprint for other European cities similarly grappling with climate change and tourist booms. In Italy, Venice will collect 37 million euros in lodging and tourism taxes in 2023, with hotels charging guests anywhere from 1 euro to 5 euros. For now, current law allows the city to use these funds for services and projects directly and indirectly related to tourism, such as security guards patrolling the city center, which is flooded with thousands of tourists every day. It is mandatory to invest.
Venice’s tourism tax also supports traditional cultural events, such as July’s Festa del Redentore, when a variety of boats parade past St. Mark’s Basilica, and the protection of the city’s environmental and artistic heritage, such as the iconic Teatro La Fenice. Contributing. Villa Goldoni and Teatro Goldoni.
Day-trippers do not pay the existing overnight tourism tax, so from April 25 the city will impose a new €5 daytime tax during the busiest days of spring and summer. The entrance fee aims to reduce the negative aspects of mass tourism and contribute to the preservation of urban heritage.
“In 2025, we plan to use part of the funds to reduce waste tax for residents.As many tourists visit here every day, taxes are very high,” said the city’s budget counselor. Michele Zuin says. “The remaining amount will be used for maintenance throughout Venice.”
Paris, Europe’s most visited city, has increased accommodation taxes by 200% for travelers staying in the Ile-de-France region from January 1st. The increase means tourists staying in one-star hotels will pay €2.60 per night, while hotel guests will pay €2.60 per night. Ritzierdig costs 14.95 euros per night, compared to 0.80 cents and 4.60 euros respectively before the change.
The government will spend far more than the €200 million needed this year to upgrade transport, including several subway and rail extensions, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, which are touted as the greenest Games ever. I expect to collect them. It also aims to secure around €11 million for the creation and maintenance of green spaces.
Meanwhile, back in Barcelona, not everyone is convinced that the new plans for a tourist tax will be effective enough to offset the impact of additional visitors.
Janet Sanz, a city councilor and vice president of climate action for Greater Barcelona, said more could be done, as millions of euros of tourists flow into the city each year. A significant portion of tax dollars still goes toward promoting the city through tourism fairs and events, and she says that money would be better spent on new bike lanes and expanding green space.
“There’s no need to promote a city as famous as this one,” Sanz said. “Everyone wants to experience the ‘Barcelona experience’.”
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