As reasons”discomfort” inside barcelonaAccommodated cruise passengers and users of tourist apartments face a possible new increase related to the currently planned increase in tourist taxes. 2024. Mayor’s tax plan Jaume CollboniIt will be discussed in the committee this Wednesday and will be approved for approval. municipal budget It’s in December rebelled to both sectors. But this is one of the following cruise ships “who will endure the highest quotas and demands”descriptionsTo cover a fee that is “not paid by any tourist who does not spend the night and arrives by other means of transport” and whose passengers do not “cause public order or any other disturbance in Barcelona”. Employers’ association CLIA There is doubt on the horizon: some shipping companies manage to reduce their operations first in the cityuncertainties“This provokes unforeseen caution by operators.
As agreed in Barcelona in 2020, Portion of tourism tax collected by the municipality increased as the surcharge was phased in. Next April, the third and final increase will be reached, which will give the city council 3.25 euros per tourist, regardless of the type of accommodation, and this amount will be added to the variable figure applied by the administration (by categories). Generalitat of Catalonia. On journeys with breaks, would increase from the current 5.75 to 6.25. However, with the proposal of the deputy mayor Economy, Treasury, Economic Promotion and Tourism, Jordi Valls, there would be an increase 4 euros, to reach 7 euros per passenger.
The industry expressed its reaction as it was not known whether the measure would have sufficient political support. conflict. Alfredo Serrano, National director of major cruise liners association CLIA Spain, He wants an “explanation” about the surprise rise. “We do not understand the proportionality of the change or what it responds to. There is no argument or study that would explain or justify the alleged harm of cruises to Barcelona,” he notes, reminding that the activity already meets the Government’s rate. Large ships in Catalan ports currently pay both port fees and waste management fees to contracted companies.
Special case
Serrano doesn’t understand cruise ship’s “best” “just a walker” Considering that even tourists arriving by train, bus or car from other municipalities where they stay do not go through the checkout upon arrival in the European capital, where the tax is imposed (passing tourists who do not spend the night). In the case of cruise passengers, higher rate for those who are there for a few hours More people spend the night in the city than get on the boats, which he considers a “paradox”. But this is done considering the consistency this fast visitor brings. massification but its economic impact is minimal (54 euros per capita, according to a study carried out by the UB at the request of CLIA in 2016).
The industry was also affected by this.”Tax that must be multiplied by ten in less than seven years, At that time it was 0.65 euros. “It was not understood, and even less so when there was a pandemic,” he adds. “We will already represent this year before the increase 13% of the collection “tourism tax” although it represents a tourist tax on cruise passengers 4.1% of local tourism. He regrets that next year this “disproportion” will be even greater.
But above all, it bothers them that their so-called “troubles” are in the spotlight. The same spokesperson insists that this is a calm traveler profile that does not cause noise or public order problems. The daily volume of cruise passengers should not be indigestible, it should be fed from various areas of the sector by managing the flows well and preventing those who disembark for a few hours from being left at the foot of the Rambla by the port buses. . The Cruise Sustainability Council is working on this issue.
According to Serrano, this extra increase does not reflect positively on the use of Barcelona as a main port or on terminal investments. “Shipping companies plan itineraries well in advance, and uncertainty creates anxiety because everyone wants stability,” he notes. In this sense, since sales prices have already been published, it would no longer be possible to reflect the increase in 2024 to passengers. It so happens The fee applies to each passenger on boardEven though an average of 15% stay on the ship and do not set foot in the city. “Barcelona have a lot in their favour, but it doesn’t help,” he says of the future.
claim initiated by CLIA of the fee collected”reverse the problems“As they feel that using this amount within the framework of the city’s general budget will not help compensate affected residents, if at all,” they said.
Legal fight over flats
aparturThe professional association of tourist apartments issued a statement saying it rejected this rate on the grounds that it penalizes family tourism and promotes the interests of the “‘lobby’” (the increase would lead to payments of 6.25 euros per person per night). hotelier”. And they will be close to the rate of super luxury hotels (6.75 euros in 2024). Now they add that they will take the case to the National Markets and Competition Commission on the grounds that it “violates free competition with hotels.” legal battle that they are willing to release.