José Antonio Donaire leads Barcelona’s push to curb overtourism by tripling taxes on short-term cruise passengers.

José Antonio Donaire, the commissioner for sustainable tourism in Barcelona, is spearheading a strategic effort to manage the city's overtourism and prioritize the needs of local residents. The administration announced a plan to triple the municipal tax for cruise passengers staying less than 12 hours, raising the fee to €24 (approximately $27) per person. Combined with regional fees, passengers will pay a total of €30 (approximately $35) per visit. The goal of the tax hike is to act as a deterrent for day-trippers, who often cause congestion without providing the same economic benefits as overnight guests. Donaire stated that the city has reached a threshold of 15.7 million annual tourists and intends to cap the total at 16 million. By implementing these measures, the administration aims to "detouristify" popular areas like Las Ramblas, making them more accessible for residents. While some industry experts warn that the higher costs could make Barcelona less competitive against other Mediterranean ports, the city remains committed to ensuring that the right to live in the city remains the top priority.

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