‘A Plague of Locusts’: Barcelona Battles its Port Authority to Curb Cruise Tourists

Barcelona is looking to cap cruise ship arrivals at 200,000 per month, or a maximum of three ships a day, according to the Guardian. In 2019 the city received 3.1-million visitors each month, or more than 250,000 each month. The area is dealing with a major drought and the city says the high volume of tourists put more pressure on the local water supply. Locals have also become very frustrated with the impact of tourists on the city, who limit resident access to the sights and attractions.

The port of Barcelona is pushing back against the city, saying most cruise ships do not need to take water from the city as they have on-board purification systems. It also says the majority of cruise goers are starting or ending their trips in the city, which brings in hotel, restaurant and other revenues than if the ships were simply calling in port for the day.

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