tourism statistics barcelona

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›
• Leisure Travel

Tourism in Barcelona - statistics & facts

Barcelona’s main tourist attractions, a place for every type of visitor, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Number of overnight visitors in Barcelona 2018-2022, by accommodation type

Tourist tax in Barcelona 2023, by accommodation type

Tourism employment in Barcelona 2021, by industry

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Museums & Galleries

Most visited tourist attractions in Barcelona 2022

Accommodation

Most common origin countries among foreign hotel guests in Barcelona 2023

Related topics

Recommended.

• Overtourism in European destinations
• Business travel in Europe
• Global megacities
• Inbound tourism in Europe

Recommended statistics

Regional overview.

• Premium Statistic Quarterly trade, transport & lodging GDP in Catalonia 2017-2022
• Premium Statistic Employment in tourism in Catalonia 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of trips made by local travelers in Catalonia 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic trips to Catalonia 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourism volume in Catalonia 2000-2022
• Premium Statistic Spanish cities with the largest number of international hotel guests 2022
• Premium Statistic Spanish tourist destinations with the highest hotel investments 2022

Quarterly trade, transport & lodging GDP in Catalonia 2017-2022

Contribution of the trade, transport, and accommodation industries to the gross domestic product in Catalonia, Spain from 1st quarter 2017 to 4th quarter 2022 (in billion euros)

Employment in tourism in Catalonia 2010-2022

Number of employees in hospitality and travel agencies in Catalonia, Spain from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of trips made by local travelers in Catalonia 2015-2022

Number of trips taken by local tourists in Catalonia, Spain from 2015 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of domestic trips to Catalonia 2015-2022

Number of trips to Catalonia taken by domestic tourists in Spain from 2015 to 2022 (in millions)

International tourism volume in Catalonia 2000-2022

Number of international tourists in Catalonia, Spain from 2000 to 2022 (in millions)

Spanish cities with the largest number of international hotel guests 2022

Most visited cities by international overnight tourists in Spain in 2022 (in 1,000s)

Spanish tourist destinations with the highest hotel investments 2022

Leading hotel markets in Spain 2022, based on capital invested (in million euros)

Tourism volume

• Basic Statistic Leading European city tourism destinations 2019-2022, by number of bed nights
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel guests in Barcelona 1990-2022
• Premium Statistic Most common origin countries among foreign hotel guests in Barcelona 2023
• Premium Statistic Passenger traffic at El Prat Airport 2000-2022
• Premium Statistic Cruise passenger traffic at Barcelona's port 1990-2022
• Premium Statistic Ferry passenger traffic at Barcelona's port 2000-2022
• Premium Statistic Main means of travel for tourists in Barcelona 2017-2023
• Premium Statistic Opinions on tourism as the main problem in Barcelona 2006-2023

Leading European city tourism destinations 2019-2022, by number of bed nights

Leading city tourism destinations in Europe from 2019 to 2022, by number of bed nights (in millions)

Number of hotel guests in Barcelona 1990-2022

Number of tourists in hotels in Barcelona, Spain from 1990 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Leading countries of origin among international tourists who stayed at hotels in Barcelona, Spain in 2023 (in 1,000s)

Passenger traffic at El Prat Airport 2000-2022

Number of air passengers at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Spain from 2000 to 2022 (in millions)

Cruise passenger traffic at Barcelona's port 1990-2022

Number of cruise passengers in the Port of Barcelona, Spain from 1990 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Ferry passenger traffic at Barcelona's port 2000-2022

Number of ferry passengers at the Port of Barcelona, Spain from 2000 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Main means of travel for tourists in Barcelona 2017-2023

Distribution of tourists in Barcelona, Spain from 1990 to 2023, by means of transport

Opinions on tourism as the main problem in Barcelona 2006-2023

Share of population in Barcelona, Spain who considered tourism to be the main problem of the city from 2006 to 2023

Visitor profile

• Premium Statistic Number of overnight visitors in Barcelona 2018-2022, by accommodation type
• Premium Statistic Tourists in Barcelona 2000-2023, by travel reason
• Premium Statistic Per capita spend of visitors in Barcelona 2022, by type of expense
• Premium Statistic Main tourist activities in Barcelona 2023
• Premium Statistic Most visited tourist attractions in Barcelona 2022
• Premium Statistic Most popular types of websites for planning travels to Barcelona 2021

Number of tourists in commercial accommodation establishments in Barcelona, Spain from 2018 to 2022, by type (in 1,000s)

Tourists in Barcelona 2000-2023, by travel reason

Distribution of tourists in Barcelona, Spain from 2000 to 2023, by travel purpose

Per capita spend of visitors in Barcelona 2022, by type of expense

Average expenditure of tourists in Barcelona, Spain in 2022, by category (in euros)

Main tourist activities in Barcelona 2023

Most popular activities among tourists in Barcelona, Spain in 2023

Leading tourist attractions in Barcelona, Spain in 2022, based on number of visitors (in 1,000s)

Most popular types of websites for planning travels to Barcelona 2021

Most used online platforms to plan a trip to Barcelona, Spain in 2021

Hotel market

• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Barcelona 1990-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Barcelona 2022, by star category
• Basic Statistic Leading hotels in Barcelona 2023, by traveler ratings
• Premium Statistic Hotel capacity in Barcelona 1990-2022
• Premium Statistic Hotel overnights in Barcelona 1990-2022
• Premium Statistic Hotel bed occupancy in Barcelona 1990-2022
• Premium Statistic Monthly ADR of hotel establishments in Barcelona 2021-2022
• Premium Statistic Tourist tax in Barcelona 2023, by accommodation type

Number of hotels in Barcelona 1990-2022

Number of hotel establishments in Barcelona, Spain from 1990 to 2022

Number of hotels in Barcelona 2022, by star category

Number of hotel establishments open in Barcelona, Spain as of December 2022, by star rating

Leading hotels in Barcelona 2023, by traveler ratings

Best-rated hotels in Barcelona, Spain in 2023, based on traveler scores

Hotel capacity in Barcelona 1990-2022

Number of hotel rooms in Barcelona, Spain from 1990 to 2022

Hotel overnights in Barcelona 1990-2022

Number of overnight stays in hotels in Barcelona, Spain from 1990 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Hotel bed occupancy in Barcelona 1990-2022

Bed occupancy rate of hotels in Barcelona, Spain from 1990 to 2022

Monthly ADR of hotel establishments in Barcelona 2021-2022

Average daily rate of hotels and hostels in Barcelona, Spain from January 2021 to December 2022 (in euros)

Tourist tax in Barcelona, Spain as of April 2023, by type of accommodation (in euros per person and night)

Further reports Get the best reports to understand your industry

Get the best reports to understand your industry.

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

• Visit Barcelona

Professionals

• Barcelona Convention Bureau

Studies and statistics

Turisme de Barcelona monitors tourism in the city, compiling data about supply and demand, visitor profiles, ratings and opinions in reports and publications. 

More information about Barcelona Workation, here

Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona: city and region

The Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona (OTB): city and region is the working platform that gathers statistical data and markets intelligence about tourism in Barcelona, its counties and regions.

Tourist activity data

We present the latest statistical reports drawn up by Turisme de Barcelona.

Here you can check the indicators compilled since 1989 with the aim of providing a greater insight into tourism activity in Barcelona.

Load more studies

Links of interest

Historic archive.

Browse Turisme de Barcelona’s data archive which brings together data from our own and external sources dating back to 1989.

In collaboration with:

• VisitBarcelona Tickets
• Affiliate VisitBarcelona Tickets
• Barcelona Access
• Barcelona Card
• Barcelona Premium
• Barcelona Shopping City
• Barcelona Weddings

Barcelona Metropolis

Tourism, between wealth and residents’ complaints

Marga Pont is a journalist and editorial coordinator of the magazine Barcelona Metropolis.

© Astrid Ortiz

Barcelona receives more than 12 million visitors per year for both business and pleasure, who stay in the city for an average of 2.5 nights. The tourism sector is one of the main drivers of economic activity in Barcelona, with 150,000 direct and indirect jobs. It generates 8.6% of the city’s employment and is the fourth-greatest wealth-creation activity, accounting for 7.3% of the GDP. Barcelona is the location of one out of every three tourism companies in Catalonia and almost four out of every six jobs and it collects more than half the revenue from the tourist tax in all of Catalonia.

Tourists truly enjoy the city and half of them return. Most local residents relate tourism with wealth, but complaints about the problems involved are also growing: 59.9% of Barcelona’s local residents think that this city has reached the limit of its capacity and the districts with the most visitors, Ciutat Vella and Gràcia, want less of them.

A foreign man about 37 years old flies into El Prat Airport to spend about five days in the city after organising a holiday trip by its own. This is the majority profile of the tourist in Barcelona, according to data from the study Perfil i hàbits dels turistes a la ciutat de Barcelona 2017 [Tourist Profile and Habits in the City of Barcelona 2017], issued by the Barcelona Tourism Observatory. According to the same survey, 86% of the hotel tourists came from outside Spain and more than half (52.11%) came from a country in Europe, while 34% came from elsewhere in the world.

Barcelona is one of the most important tourism and business travel destinations in the world. In 2018, the city had over 12 million tourists and 30 million overnight stays in in hotels, hostels, tourist apartments and housing used for tourism (HUT). Two out of every three tourists stay in hotels. In the last 30 years, the demand for hotel accommodation has increased fivefold and has gone from 1.7 million tourists in 1990 to 9.1 million in 2018, and from 3.8 million overnight stays to 19.3. This demand has not stopped growing every year, except for two dips. The first came in 2008, with the beginning of the financial crisis, and the second in 2017, when Barcelona suffered the attack on the Rambla in August and witnessed the events of 1st October. Remarkably, hotels and housing used for tourism amount to 85.5% of the accommodation available. While the former receive 19.3 million overnight stays, the latter get more than 8.5 million, though with many less tourists, since stays in HUT are longer (up to 3.75 nights on average compared to 2.1 nights at hotels).

According to the Housing Census of 2018, Barcelona has 152,046 vacancies in a total of 10,486 places of accommodation. Over 38% (38.5%) of the vacancies are in housing used for tourism and 47% are located in hotels and hotel-apartments. The Eixample district has 37% of all tourist accommodation vacancies (56,326), and together with Ciutat Vella (27,436) has over half (55.1%) the available vacancies in the city. Sant Martí and Sants-Montjuïc also have a significant amount of vacancies and together account for one fourth of those in the city, while Nou Barris and Sant Andreu have little in the way of vacancies available.

PROFILE OF THE TOURIST VISITING BARCELONA, HOW THEY GET HERE, WHERE THEY COME FROM AND WHERE THEY STAY

AVERAGE SPENDING OF VISITOR TO BARCELONA (2018) Source: Profile and Habits of Tourists to the City of Barcelona 2017 . Barcelona City Council.

THE THREE MOST VISITED LANDMARKS IN BARCELONA (2017) Source: Barcelona Institute of Culture.

DEMAND FOR ACCOMMODATION (2018)

ACCOMMODATION SUPPLY (2018)

EVOLUTION OF THE DEMAND FOR HOTEL BEDS

TRAVELLERS ARRIVING IN BARCELONA (2018)

NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS ARRIVING IN BARCELONA (2018) in Millions  (Change compared to 2017)  

ORIGIN OF PASSENGERS ARRIVING IN EL PRAT AIRPORT (2018) in Million

First in international cruises and conferences

Barcelona is near the top of many international rankings. In 2017, it was the sixth most visited city in Europe and the 23rd most visited among 100 cities in the world, according to the Top Cities Destination Ranking by Euromonitor International. The European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report 2016/2017 ranked Barcelona fifth in Europe in terms of international overnight stays, while Trip Advisor rated it the sixth most attractive destination in the world for tourists in 2017. Also in 2017, Barcelona’s 2.7 million cruise ship passengers enabled it to hold on to its spot as the top cruise ship port based in Europe and the Mediterranean and the fourth greatest in the world. With 47.3 million travellers, Barcelona’s airport, El Prat Josep Tarradellas, had the seventh most travellers and grew the second most (7.1%) in Europe, according to the Airport Traffic Report of 2017.

Barcelona is also a leader in business meetings and broke records in 2018. According to the Barcelona Convention Bureau, the economic impact of Barcelona’s conferences and conventions rose from 1.851 billion euros in 2017 to over 1.901 billion in 2018. The city hosted 1,728 meetings (including conferences, seminars and conventions) that involved 2,393,252 overnight stays, or 7.4% more than the year before and up to 15% for conferences. For the first time, the representatives’ average stay was almost five days.

According to the ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Barcelona is the only city that is not a country capital and has still ranked among the top five in the number of international conferences in the last 19 years. Even though it dropped from the first to the fourth position in terms of the number of international conferences hosted (163), this year it was the top city in the world regarding the number of representatives attending those conferences (135,000).

INDICATORS OF CONGRESS ACTIVITY (2018)

A lot of work at low pay

The tourism sector generates 8.6% of the employment in the city of Barcelona and is the activity responsible for the fourth most wealth creation, accounting for 7.3% of the city’s GDP. By the end of 2018, there were 96,257 people affiliated with social security, after creating 20,000 jobs in just six years. Salaried jobs make up 87.5% of this total, followed by 12.7% self-employed jobs. If we consider a broader definition of the sector, including the transport of passengers, the organisation of conferences, artistic activities or some sporting activities with a significant impact on tourism, the number of jobs approaches 150,000. There have been 30.9% more jobs in the last 10 years, a period in which the city has grown 7.9% in job creation. At the end of 2018, the tourism sector included 8,754 companies with salaried workers, accounting for 11.5% of those in the city. Barcelona is the location of 36.7% of the tourism jobs in Catalonia, which is 3% more than the city’s total share of employment in Catalonia (33.3%). Barcelona is also the location of 29.3% of the companies with Catalan wage earners dedicated to tourism.

In 2018, the hotel industry was the second largest economic sector in Barcelona with the highest employment contract volume in the city, with a total of 216,453 contracts, accounting for 16.7% of the total. Of these employment contracts, 16.1% were indefinite and 83.9% were temporary. Broken down by subsector of activity, the highest volume of employment contracts was for food and beverage services (60.1%), followed by accommodation services (32.6%) and travel agencies and tour operators (7.2%). The average annual salary in the hospitality industry stood at 16,708 euros in 2017, which is just over half the average salary in the city (30,263 euros), making it the sector with the lowest wage level and one of those that have experienced the biggest loss of purchasing power since 2010. However, the hospitality industry is one of the sectors with the narrowest gender pay gap, with a difference between men and women (12.3%) almost 10% lower than the average in Barcelona (21.8%).

In 2018, there were 8,946 unemployed people from the tourist sector in Barcelona, which reported a 7% drop, while the city fell by 6%. Despite creating net employment, in recent years the sector has revealed a less favourable trend in reported unemployment than Barcelona as a whole. Since 2012, unemployment in the hospitality industry has cumulatively decreased by 20% and has fallen by 38.2% in the city in the same period. This is partly due to the strong seasonal orientation of the sector and the influx into the tourism sector of unemployed people from other industries looking for better employment prospects.

IMPORTANCE OF THE TOURISM SECTOR TO BARCELONA’S ECONOMY (2018)

VOLUME OF CONTRACTS RELATED TO TOURIST ACTIVITIES PER SUBSECTOR (2018)

STRUCTURE OF THE TOURISM SECTOR PER SUBSECTOR (2018)

Tourism and the city: benefits and criticism

Tourist activity produces diverse impacts and assessments for the different actors involved, both among those actively participating in it (the tourists) and those receiving it, meaning the residents of Barcelona. Tourists give it a score of 8.8 points to the city and almost half (46.8%) repeat the experience, according to the study Perfil i hàbits dels turistes a la ciutat de Barcelona 2017 [Tourist Profile and Habits in the City of Barcelona 2017]. The five best aspects of the city are its architecture (9.26), its culture (8.91), its entertainment (8.61), its public transport (8.51) and the character and kindness of its people (8.47).

The Online Reputation Index (iRON), issued by the Tourism Laboratory of Barcelona Provincial Council, awarded its best grade (8.91) in 2017 to the city’s attractions, while accommodation (8.24) and food and drink (8.13) scored lower, but always above 8. Regarding the most popular places, Sagrada Família is the most frequently visited monument in the city, taking in 4.52 million tourists, followed by Park Güell, with 3.12 million, and the Barça Museum, with 1.84 million visitors.

In the local people’s perceptions, the relationship between tourism and wealth is rooted in the idea of Barcelona. According to the Barcelona Tourism Observatory’s study Percepció del turisme a Barcelona 2017 [Perception of Tourism in Barcelona 2017], 57.5% of the people surveyed in 2009 already spontaneously associated both elements, reaching 70.3% in 2017. Over four out of five (83.1%) local residents believe that tourism is beneficial, and three out of every four Barcelonans cites tourism as the sector of the economy that provides the most wealth. Nevertheless, there is an observable trend to be increasingly critical of tourism and the benefits that it represents. The high opinion of tourism has fallen since 2012, when it attained the highest score, with 96.1% of the people feeling that it was beneficial for the city. While the 35.2% of the population now thinks that Barcelona must continue to attract tourists, the 59.9% believe that it has reached the limit of its capacity (and this figure rises to 68.6% among residents of tourist districts). Only people of foreign nationality and residents of Nou Barris have an opinion split almost equally between both options. The rest of the population and the region thinks that Barcelona has reached the limit of its capacity with respect to the services that it can offer to tourists. Only 17.1% of Barcelonans would like to see more tourists in their neighbourhood and 65.8% think that there are enough already.

The effect of tourism on prices is one of the reasons why respondents believe that tourism harms Barcelona. Eight out of 10 respondents think that visitors drive up prices in Barcelona, especially in the restoration and rental of homes. The Barri Gòtic and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, the Ribera and Vila de Gràcia are the districts that most clearly see this rise in prices due to tourism (around 80%), while in Nou Barris the percentage has fallen by 15%.

Compared to 2016, the perception of tourist behaviour has worsened. Half of the people surveyed say that tourist behaviour is good or very good, whereas 14.5% say that it is bad or very bad. This negative view reaches 38.6% in the Barceloneta district. Complaints about bad behaviour have to do with antisocial or rude behaviour (66.1%, which is 10% more than in 2016) and with drunkenness (16.7%, which is 12% less than in 2016).

LEVEL OF COMFORT WITH THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN BARCELONA (2017)

PERCEPTION OF TOURIST ACCOMMODATION IN ONE’S OWN NEIGHBOURHOOD (2017) (% of people who believe the amount of accommodation in their neighbourhood is excessive: hotels, hostels, tourist-licensed properties, etc.)

The challenges of tourism management

The assessment of municipal management of tourism in the city has worsened every year since 2013. While in 2013 almost three out of every four people rated it positively (74.7%), in 2017 this number fell to 40.8%. The least happy residents by district are those living in Barceloneta. Their main complaints focus on the mismanagement of tourist apartments (20.5%) and poor management in general (18.3%).

In 2018, the city raised more than half its revenue from the tax on stays in tourist establishments throughout Catalonia. In the 2017-2018 period the figure reached 56.5 million euros, of which 30.65 million were collected by establishments of the Barcelona brand. Hotels are the main contributor to income tax (19.8 million euros), followed by housing used for tourism (HUT) (8.2 million euros). Hotel revenue has fallen by one million euros and the amount from tourist homes has increased by two million, which is mainly due to the increase in the rate from 0.65 to 2.25 euros per person per night in these establishments in 2017. Barcelona’s cruise ships provide 1.2 million euros, and youth hostels 900,000 euros.

The tourist tax is a tool for promoting sustainable quality tourism and for protecting, preserving, recovering and improving tourist resources. For two years, Barcelona City Council has managed half this tax while the city received 34% until 2016. Between 2015 and 2019, more than 22 million euros levied from the tax on tourist establishments (IEET) have been allocated to projects for improving spaces and services for all residents for the purpose of offsetting the negative effects of tourism in the city.

In 2018, 9.6 millions euros were earmarked for the fight against illegal accommodation, district-improvement projects, cultural offering enhancement and other activities. This line of action has been bolstered by the expansion in 2017 and 2018 of regular bus lines coming from and going to the city’s beaches (D20, V15 and 59), the Pla de Convivència in Ciutat Vella, the Pla de Places de Gràcia and the civic agent service for regulating high traffic spaces such as the Sagrada Família and Ciutat Vella or the spider web, which serves to track data to the network and is one of the pillars to detect establishments that do not have a license.

Since 2016, the number of ads for unlicensed tourist use has fallen from 5,875 to 272, and 4,900 apartments have been ordered closed. The year 2018 ended with 95% less illegal tourist apartments in Barcelona. Since the launch of the shock plan in 2015, according to data from March 2019, municipal teams have evaluated 17,000 homes advertised on 140 different websites.

With these and other measures, the Strategic Tourism Plan 2020 (approved in 2015) is being launched to address such a complex phenomenon, with its multiple challenges. The plan aims to respond to it to ensure sustainability and reconcile the interests of the different actors involved: local residents, tourists and professionals from the sector.

TOURIST TAX COLLECTION (2018)

TOURIST TAX COLLECTION (2018) Source: Generalitat de Catalunya.

MAIN SOURCES LEVYING TOURIST TAX (2018) Source: Generalitat de Catalunya.

Related subjects Economy and business Territory Tourism Work Astrid Ortiz Marga Pont Algueró Marga Pont is a journalist and editorial coordinator of the magazine Barcelona Metropolis. From the issue

N 112 - Jul 19 Index

The newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with Barcelona Metròpolis' new developments

• Sustainability

You are here

Barcelona tourism activity report 2019.

The OTB publishes the complete report of the tourism activity in Barcelona in 2019

The  Barcelona tourism activity report 2019 unites the four capsules  that have been published since february by the Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona .

• For the second consecutive year, the report has three different levels  of territorial analysis: Barcelona city , Barcelona region  and  Destination Barcelona .

• Readers will find data ordered in the 10 report’s chapters according to each of the various themes in which the tourism phenomenon can be broken down:

Accommodation

Tourism demand

Infrastructures

Tourist profile

Tourist expense

Meetings tourism

International positioning

Culture and leisure

General information about Barcelona

Related news

2 out of 5 tourists have made an excursion outside of the municipality where they are staying

The Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona: city and region has published its report on the results of the Survey on the profile and habits of tourists visiting Barcelona region during 2023

The definitive recovery of the significant changes recorded during the pandemic is confirmed

The Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona: city and region has published its report on the results of the Survey on the profile and habits of tourists visiting Destination Barcelona during 2023

1 out of 2 tourists make cultural visits during their stay in Destination Barcelona

The OTB presents the monthly report on the Profile and Habits of Tourists in Destination Barcelona

Tourism in Barcelona

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Tourism in Barcelona is big business, but what? And what are the most important things that we should know about tourism here? Read on to find out!

Geography of Barcelona

Tourism industry in barcelona, statistics of tourism in barcelona, popular tourist attractions in barcelona, popular types of tourism in barcelona, economic impacts of tourism in barcelona, social impacts of tourism in barcelona, environmental impacts of tourism in barcelona, faqs about tourism in barcelona, to conclude- tourism in barcelona.

Situated on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona stands as a testament to Spain’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. A city where Gothic cathedrals meet Modernist masterpieces, Barcelona offers a diverse array of attractions. This article presents a concise yet comprehensive insight into Barcelona’s touristic landmarks and experiences, tailored for both the uninitiated and the well-versed traveller.

Barcelona is a city located in the northeastern region of Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Mediterranean coast, between the Besòs and Llobregat rivers. The city covers an area of approximately 101.4 square kilometres and has a population of over 1.6 million people in the metropolitan area.

The city of Barcelona is divided into ten districts, each with its own unique neighbourhoods and landmarks:

• Ciutat Vella: This is the historic center of Barcelona, and includes the neighborhoods of El Raval, Barri Gòtic, El Born, and Barceloneta.
• Eixample: This district is known for its modernist architecture, including the work of Antoni Gaudí. It includes the neighborhoods of L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample, La Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample, Dreta de l’Eixample, and Sagrada Família.
• Gràcia: This district has a bohemian and artsy vibe, and includes the neighborhoods of Vila de Gràcia, Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova, and La Salut.
• Horta-Guinardó: This is a hilly district known for its parks and gardens, and includes the neighbourhoods of Horta, Carmel, Font d’en Fargues, and Can Baró.
• Les Corts: This district houses many businesses and is home to the famous soccer stadium Camp Nou. It includes the neighbourhoods of Les Corts, La Maternitat i Sant Ramon, and Pedralbes.
• Nou Barris: This district is located in the northern part of Barcelona and includes the neighbourhoods of Can Peguera, Porta, Vallbona, and Torre Baró.

Some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in Barcelona include the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), the Barcelona Pavilion, the Montserrat Monastery, and the Picasso Museum.

Tourism is a major industry in Barcelona, with millions of visitors from all over the world visiting the city every year. Barcelona is the most visited city in Spain and one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

Tourism generates significant revenue for the city, making up a large percentage of the local economy. The tourism industry in Barcelona provides jobs for thousands of people in various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, transportation, and attractions.

The city offers a wide range of attractions and activities for tourists, such as art museums, historical landmarks, beaches, nightlife, shopping, and gastronomy. Popular tourist attractions in Barcelona include the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and the Picasso Museum.

Barcelona also hosts several international events and festivals throughout the year, which attract even more visitors to the city. Some of the most popular events include the Festa Major de Gràcia, the Barcelona Carnival, the Sant Jordi Festival, and the Barcelona Wine Festival.

However, tourism does pose some challenges for Barcelona, such as overcrowding in popular areas, increased traffic, and rising housing costs. Local authorities and tourism organisations are working to address these issues and balance the benefits of tourism with the needs of the local community.

Now that we know a little bit more about tourism in Barcelona, lets take a look at some of the key statistics about the tourism industry here:

• In 2019, there were over 9 million overnight stays in Barcelona by foreign tourists.
• Barcelona is the most visited city in Spain, with over 30 million visitors in 2019.
• Tourism accounts for around 12% of the city’s GDP.
• The tourism industry provides over 100,000 jobs in Barcelona.
• In 2019, the city had over 16,000 registered tourism establishments, including hotels, hostels, and apartments.
• The average length of stay for tourists in Barcelona is around 2.6 nights.
• The most popular months for tourism in Barcelona are July and August.
• Around 75% of tourists in Barcelona are from outside Spain.
• The most common reasons for visiting Barcelona are for the city’s cultural attractions, art museums, and architecture.
• There has been a recent trend towards more sustainable tourism practices in Barcelona, with an increase in eco-friendly accommodations, bike rental services, and environmentally-conscious tour operators.

One of the major reasons that tourism in Barcelona is so popular is due to its range of tourist attractions. Here are some of the most popular:

Sagrada Família: This is a stunning and iconic basilica that was designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. It’s been under construction for over 100 years, but visitors can still admire its intricate designs and impressive towers.

Park Güell: This is a unique public park designed by Gaudí that features colourful mosaics, winding pathways, and beautiful views of the city. Visitors can also see some of Gaudi’s famous sculptures and architectural designs at the park.

La Rambla: This is a lively pedestrian street that is lined with street performers, shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or go shopping.

Gothic Quarter: This is the historic and mediaeval heart of Barcelona, with narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and stunning cathedrals. Visitors can explore the city’s old Roman walls, Gothic churches, and charming plazas.

Montserrat Monastery: This is a stunning monastery located just outside of Barcelona, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Visitors can see the monastery’s beautiful chapel, choir stalls, and museum, as well as take in the magnificent views.

Barcelona offers a variety of tourism activities for visitors to enjoy, catering to different interests and preferences. Here are some popular types of tourism in Barcelona:

• Cultural tourism: Barcelona is rich in culture and history, making it a popular destination for those interested in exploring the city’s many museums, galleries, and historical landmarks, such as the Gothic Quarter, the Picasso Museum, and the Sagrada Familia.
• Gastronomic tourism: Barcelona’s cuisine is famous for its traditional tapas and other Mediterranean dishes, making it a popular destination for foodies. Visitors can enjoy food tours, cooking classes, and sampling local delicacies at the city’s many restaurants and markets.
• Beach tourism: Barcelona has several beaches along the coast, such as Barceloneta and Bogatell, which attract many visitors who want to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. Along the coast, visitors can also take part in various water activities like surfing, swimming, and kitesurfing.
• Sports tourism: Barcelona is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, with FC Barcelona being one of the biggest soccer teams in the world. Visitors can take a stadium tour at Camp Nou, enjoy a game or experience the various sports facilities around the city.
• Art and architecture tourism: Including major works by famous artist Fernando Botero and renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona is a mecca of art and architecture. Visit remarkable landmarks like the Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and Montserrat Monastery to satisfy your artistic and architectural cravings.

Overall, Barcelona seamlessly blends many tourism activities providing an enriching and unforgettable experience to its visitors.

Tourism has both positive and negative economic impacts on Barcelona. Here are some of the key economic impacts of tourism in Barcelona:

Negative Impacts:

1 – Overcrowding: With millions of visitors every year, there are concerns of overcrowding in popular areas, which can negatively impact the local community.

2 – Increased costs: Tourism can contribute to increased costs of living, such as rising housing costs, making it difficult for locals who are not in the tourism sector.

3 – Traffic congestion: High tourist numbers can lead to increased traffic congestion, which can impact the overall quality of life for locals and affect public transportation services.

4 – Seasonal employment: Due to the seasonal nature of tourism (such as higher number of visits in summer), many jobs in the industry are temporary and seasonal, resulting in job insecurity during the off-season.

5 – Environmental impact: High tourist numbers can also have a negative impact on the environment, such as the use of natural resources, pollution and increased waste.

Positive Impacts:

1 – Generates revenue: Tourism is a major source of revenue for Barcelona, contributing significantly to the city’s GDP.

2 – Provides employment: The tourism industry in Barcelona provides many jobs in different sectors, including hotels, restaurants, transportation, and attractions.

3 – Encourages investment: Tourism creates opportunities for investment in various sectors, such as accommodation, restaurants, retail, and transportation.

4 – Boosts small business: Tourism helps to support small businesses, such as artisanal shops, souvenir stores, and local restaurants, which contribute to the local economy.

5 – Promotes regional development: Tourism helps to bring investment and development to different neighbourhoods, resulting in increased economic activity and opportunities.

6 – Generates tax revenue: Tourists often pay local taxes and fees, providing an additional source of revenue for the city.

Overall, while there are both positive and negative impacts of tourism on the economy of Barcelona, it is important to manage tourism growth in a way that balances the benefits with the needs of the local community and sustainable development objectives.

Tourism has had significant social impacts on Barcelona, a city known for its rich culture, history, and architecture. While tourism has brought many benefits to the city’s economy and created job opportunities, it has also caused social and cultural changes that have affected the lives of the locals. Here are some of the most notable social impacts of tourism in Barcelona:

Overcrowding: Barcelona has become one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, leading to overcrowding in certain neighbourhoods and overwhelming the city’s infrastructure. Increased tourism has led to an increase in rental fees and a decrease in affordable housing, which has pushed locals out of their neighbourhoods.

Change in local culture: The rapid growth of tourism in Barcelona has caused a substantial shift in the city’s traditional culture, as businesses have shifted their focus to cater to tourists rather than locals. This change has caused a dip in the usage of Catalan, the city’s traditional language, as more tourists and locals now speak Spanish or English.

Employment opportunities: Tourism in Barcelona has created employment opportunities for the city’s residents, providing thousands of jobs in the hospitality and tourism industries. However, the majority of these jobs are low-paying and entry-level positions.

Environmental impact: The overreliance on fossil fuels, increased waste production, and pollutants from heavy traffic and tourism activities have a major impact on the environment.

Loss of community: Barcelona has always been known for its tight-knit and vibrant community, but the influx of tourism has caused locals to feel unwelcome in their neighbourhoods, with many businesses catering exclusively to tourists.

Overall, while tourism benefits the economy and creates much-needed employment opportunities, it has also led to social and cultural changes in Barcelona, impacting the traditional way of life for many residents. To address the issues caused by tourism, the local government has implemented measures such as limiting the number of tourists allowed in certain areas, promoting eco-friendly activities, and encouraging businesses to focus more on sustainability and local culture.

Tourism in Barcelona has had various environmental impacts on the city, some of which include:

Increased waste generation: The influx of tourists has led to the generation of more waste, including food waste, plastic waste, and packaging waste. The city has struggled to handle this increased waste, leading to issues like overflowing rubbish bins, litter on streets and beaches, and a strain on the city’s waste disposal facilities.

Energy consumption: Tourism in Barcelona consumes a lot of energy, especially during peak seasons, leading to an increase in energy consumption and carbon emissions. This includes the use of energy-intensive amenities like swimming pools, heating, air conditioning, and transportation.

Water usage: The high volume of tourists has put a strain on the city’s water resources, leading to water scarcity and pollution. This includes water used for irrigation, swimming pools, and cleaning of tourist facilities.

Strain on natural resources: Increased tourism puts a strain on natural resources like beaches, parks, and forests, leading to erosion, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. This is seen in areas like the beachfront, where increased foot traffic has led to soil erosion, causing damage to the natural landscape.

Transportation: The transportation needs of tourists in Barcelona have led to the increased use of high-polluting transportation, such as taxis, buses, and private cars. This has contributed to the overall carbon footprint of the tourism industry in the city.

The local government of Barcelona has implemented several measures to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism. These include promoting sustainable tourism practices, encouraging visitors to use public transportation, increasing sustainable waste management strategies, and investing in green energy. Additionally, the city has implemented measures to reduce the number of tourists in overcrowded areas, limit cruise traffic in the harbour, and encourage travellers to explore alternative tourism activities that have less environmental impact.

Barcelona’s diverse attractions and activities draw a broad range of visitors to the city, from independent travellers, foodies, and culture-seekers, to families on vacation, sports fans and those who seek relaxation on the beach.

10 Interesting Facts About Tourism in Barcelona

1 – Barcelona is the most visited city in Spain, attracting over 32 million tourists annually.

2 – Tourism is a vital industry in Barcelona and contributes significantly to the city’s economy, accounting for more than 12% of the city’s GDP.

3 – The city attracts tourists from all over the world, with the largest number of visitors coming from France, the UK, Italy, Germany, and the United States.

4 – Barcelona is famous for its architecture, and the most iconic building in the city is the Sagrada Familia, which is still under construction after more than 130 years.

5 – Another famous landmark in the city is Park Guell, designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, which features colourful mosaics, fanciful sculptures, and sweeping views of the city.

6 – Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many museums and galleries, including the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miro Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia

7 – The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants staying open late into the night.

8 – Barcelona is also known for its beaches, including Barceloneta Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in the city.

9 – The city is home to many festivals and cultural events, including the famous La Mercè festival, which takes place every September and features concerts, parades, and fireworks.

10 – The tourism industry in Barcelona has faced some challenges in recent years, including protests by locals over the impact of tourism on the city’s infrastructure and affordability. However, the industry continues to thrive, and efforts are being made to balance the needs of locals with the needs of visitors.

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Barcelona, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

1 – What is the best time of year to visit Barcelona?

The best time to visit Barcelona is from May to June or from September to November when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are smaller.

2 – How do I get around Barcelona?

You can get around Barcelona by walking, cycling, taking the metro, bus, or taxis. The city also has a public bicycle rental service called Bicing.

3 – What is the currency used in Barcelona?

The currency used in Barcelona, as well as the rest of Spain, is the Euro (EUR).

4 – What is the official language spoken in Barcelona?

The official language spoken in Barcelona is Catalan, but most locals speak Spanish as well.

5 – What are some must-see attractions in Barcelona?

Some must-see attractions in Barcelona include the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and Camp Nou stadium.

6 – How can I purchase tickets to popular attractions in Barcelona?

You can purchase tickets online in advance, from tourist information offices or from ticket booths located at the attractions

7 – Is Barcelona a safe city for tourists?

Barcelona is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is important to be cautious of pickpocketing and scams in crowded areas.

8 – How much does it cost to travel in Barcelona?

The cost of travel in Barcelona depends on your personal preferences and budget. Accommodation, dining, and sightseeing can vary in cost.

9 – What is the nightlife like in Barcelona?

Barcelona has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants open late into the night.

10 – Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of when visiting Barcelona?

It is important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and to show respect for local customs and traditions. Catalan culture is influenced by a strong sense of regional identity, so it is important to use the proper forms of address and greetings.

Barcelona, renowned for its architectural splendour and cultural vibrancy, remains a cornerstone of European tourism. As the city navigates the complexities of modern tourism, striking a balance between infrastructural advancement and heritage preservation becomes paramount. It is incumbent upon both tourists and sector professionals to ensure Barcelona’s enduring charm is maintained amidst contemporary demands.

If you enjoyed this article about tourism in Barcelona, I am sure you will like these too:

• Almeria Spain- 15 fascinating things you should know
• Spain’s islands- 15 fascinating facts
• 35 spectacular things Spain is known for
• 50 Most Amazing Cultural Landmarks in Spain
• Bullfighting in Spain: What you NEED to know

Liked this article? Click to share!

This popular European city is the latest to increase its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Barcelona is the latest European city to increase its city-wide tourist tax, a slight increase of €0.50 (about $0.53) per night, as the city seeks to curb overtourism. 

The new price of €3.25 (about $3.45) was implemented on April 1 as part of the Stays in Tourist Establishments Tax . The bylaw was introduced in 2021, when the tourist tax was €0.75 (around $0.80) per night, and gradually increased the tax each year through 2024. Now, if someone is staying in Barcelona for seven nights, the new total tax amount will be €22.75 (around $24).

“It was the objective sought: to contain the number of tourists and increase tourist income because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city,” deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said in March, according to Euronews . 

The tax is added to a tourist’s accommodations bill when they stay at official tourist establishments in the city. The money goes toward enhancing the city’s infrastructure, such as improving roads. 

Other popular European destinations, such as Amsterdam and Venice, also recently increased tourist taxes for similar reasons. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Are tourist taxes the future of travel? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

“The new and increasing tourist fees across Europe allow cities to fund measures to attract more vacationers, support the local infrastructure and businesses, as well as preventing damages from overtourism,” Tiffany Mealiff, a travel insurance expert at Quotezone , said in a statement to USA TODAY.

However, Barcelona visitors have had to pay a regional tourist tax since 2012, according to Euronews . This tax amount depends on a traveler’s accommodation type, costing more if someone is staying at a luxury hotel than an Airbnb. 

Barcelona continues to reign as Spain’s most popular tourist destination. In 2022, Barcelona welcomed 9.7 million tourists , just slightly below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the Barcelona City Council. However, tourists were found to be staying in the city longer than in 2019. 

In 2022, the city also sought to cap the number of people in a tour group and ban megaphones by tour guides in an effort to curb the disruptive effects of overtourism. 

Travelers planning their European getaway should be mindful of the additional costs that “are often not obvious beforehand,” according to Mealiff, as they plan their trip budgets.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

• Agriculture
• Automobiles
• Business & Consumer Services
• Consumer Goods
• Financial Services
• Health Care & Life Sciences
• Industrial Goods
• International
• Leisure, Arts & Hospitality
• Materials & Resources
• Media & Entertainment
• Real Estate & Construction
• Retail & Wholesale
• Technology & Telecommunication Services
• Transportation & Logistics

Tourism in Barcelona

Tourism in barcelona statistics, interesting statistics from the category "tourism in barcelona".

In this section, StatInvestor presents the most relevant and up-to-date facts relating to the Tourism in Barcelona industries. Find the most relevant Tourism in Barcelona statistics, including market data, researches and facts.

StatInvestor

Privacy Policy Feedback

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Tens of thousands protest against Canary Islands’ ‘unsustainable’ tourism model

Organisers say 50,000 turn out to call for limit on tourist numbers, saying model makes life unaffordable and puts strain on resources

Tens of thousands of people are protesting across the Canary Islands to call for an urgent rethink of the Spanish archipelago’s tourism strategy and a freeze on visitor numbers, arguing that the decades-old model has made life unaffordable and environmentally unsustainable for residents.

The protests, which are taking place under the banner “Canarias tiene un límite” – The Canaries have a limit – are backed by environmental groups including Greenpeace, WWF, Ecologists in Action, Friends of the Earth and SEO/Birdlife.

“We’ve reached the point where the balance between the use of resources and the welfare of the population here has broken down, especially over the past year,” said Víctor Martín, a spokesperson for the collective Canarias se Agota – The Canaries Have Had Enough – which helped to coordinate protests on Saturday across the eight islands.

Eleven members of Canarias se Agota have already been on hunger strike for a week to protest against the construction of two large luxury developments in southern Tenerife, which they describe as illegal and totally unnecessary.

Police said 20,000 people had turned out for the demonstrations, but organisers put the figure closer to 50,000, Spain’s TVE public television said.

“We are not against tourism,” Rosario Correo, one of the protesters, told TVE. “We’re asking that they change this model that allows for unlimited growth of tourism.”

Protesters also gathered in Madrid and Barcelona to show their support for the rallies in the Canary Islands, public television said.

Last year, 13.9 million people visited the islands, which have a population of 2.2 million. Tourism accounts for about 35% of the archipelago’s GDP – bringing in €16.9bn in 2022 alone – but local people say the industry is stressing natural resources and pricing them out of the rental market.

Figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute show that 33.8% of people in the Canaries are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , the highest proportion for any region except Andalucía.

Martín said the regional government’s continuing focus on tourism at a time when the climate emergency was leading to cuts to water supplies made no sense. “Demand is rising in urban areas where there are more tourists,” he said. “We’ve had a very dry winter and a water emergency’s already been declared on Tenerife.

“There are going to be restrictions if there’s not more rain this month but it’s 36C here right now. This is all unsustainable and it means that we won’t even be able to keep normal levels of tourism going. And yet the authorities and the businesses here are trying to stick with this model.”

The housing situation in many parts of the archipelago was also dire because of high prices, low wages, a lack of public housing and the continuing cost of living crisis, Martín said. “I realised we’d reached the limit when I saw people who were working as hotel maids or waiters were living in shacks.

“Wages are so low that they don’t cover the basic costs of living, especially in the current crisis, which is global, but has been felt keenly in the Canaries because we have to import practically everything.”

He insisted the protest movement was not anti-tourist, pointing out that many people in the Canaries had known and liked generations of families from countries such as the UK and Germany.

“The problem isn’t the tourists,” he said. “It’s a model that was built around, and with the connivance of, a business class that doesn’t want to listen to what needs to be done, and with a political class that serves that business class instead of serving all the citizens.”

He said a complete rethink of the Canaries’ tourism model could not wait. “What we’re asking is very simple. Given that tourism is the main economic activity and the cause of all these problems, we want an immediate halt to these two mega-projects,” he said of the Tenerife developments.

“We also want a tourist moratorium that will lead to a study of the load each island can take and which will determine whether we’ve already passed the critical point. In areas where there’s an overload, we want to see a stage of degrowth of economic activity to benefit natural resources. Otherwise, you have an existing model that only benefits a very few people.”

Martín said a proper study of the problems the Canaries suffer from could have global repercussions. “This rethinking of the tourism model could put the Canaries on the map as an example of sustainable tourism development,” he said. “We could be known for something positive instead of something negative.”

Fernando Clavijo, the regional president of the Canary Islands, has said his administration is already taking action. “All the actions this government has taken have been based on a revision of this model,” he told reporters this week . “The Canaries tourist model has been a successful one, but obviously, as with anything, there are things that could be perfected.”

Over-tourism has become a major issue in many Spanish cities and regions , triggering protests and backlashes in Barcelona , and leading the authorities in Seville to consider charging visitors to explore the Andalucían city’s famous Plaza de España .

• The Observer

Most viewed