wto tourism spain

• News News about the activity of the President of the Government of Spain
• Speeches Transcripts of events and appearances; interviews and articles by the President of the Government of Spain
• Videos Videos of the President of the Government of Spain at events and appearances
• Biography Introduction to and curriculum vitae of the President of the Government of Spain
• Write to the President How to contact the President of the Government of Spain
• Presidents since 1978 List of democratic presidents of the Government of Spain
• Government Organisational Structure President, Vice-Presidents and Ministers of the current Government of Spain
• Functioning of the Council of Ministers What the Council of Ministers is and how it is organised
• Activity of the Council of Ministers Highlights of the press conferences held after the Council of Ministers
• News News from the ministerial departments of the Government of Spain
• Governments by Legislature Members of governments since 1978
• Information Offices Functions and list of the Spanish State’s foreign policy support bodies
• Regulation for International Media Correspondents Accreditation of foreign press correspondents and special envoys
• Press Accreditation Description of the procedure to be accredited by the Secretary of State for Communication
• Subscribe to weekly newsletter Subscription to the newsletter with the latest information from the La Moncloa website
• Constitution Content of the supreme rule of the Spanish legal system. State symbols
• Organization of Spain Key aspects of the powers and territorial organisation of the Spanish State
• Government >

Hereu and the secretary of the World Tourism Organisation note the full recovery of the sector and the good forecasts for 2024

News - 2024.1.12

The Minister for Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, highlighted Spain's leading position in world tourism and shared the lines of work to advance the sustainability, digitisation and competitiveness of the sector.

The Minister for Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, and the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation, Zurab Pololikashvili, held a meeting in which they discussed the recovery of the world tourism sector in 2023, and the good prospects for this year.

As for the challenges facing the sector in 2024, Hereu shared with Pololikashvili the lines of work that align with the actions of the UN body on which our country is advancing, and whose objectives are the consolidation of social and sustainable tourism that is more respectful of the planet, more deseasonalised and digitised and has greater added value.

Hereu also informed Pololikashvili of how work on the future new headquarters of the World Tourism Organisation at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones in Madrid is progressing. The new headquarters, which will replace the historic building on Carrer Poeta Joan Maragall, will have an exhibition hall and three floors of offices and meeting rooms.

This meeting takes place just a few weeks before FITUR, one of the most important events for the tourism sector in Spain, and one of the most important in the world. FITUR brings together representatives from all tourism-related sectors from more than 160 countries.

Non official translation

• Reyes Maroto announces that the project for the new UNWTO headquarters will start in 2022 (2021/09/15)

This website uses its own and third-party cookies to maintain the session, offer a better user experience and obtain statistical data on user navigation. For more information see Cookies policy

WTO head Natalia Bayona: ‘Tourism must be regulated taking citizens into account’

The executive director of the u.n. organization explains that education and the working conditions of employees are two of the main challenges in the sector.

Natalia Bayona (Bucaramanga, Colombia) is an expert in the tourism sector. Since last year, she is also the executive director of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Her first year in office has been marked by the extraordinary post-pandemic recovery of tourism, with a record 85 million foreign visitors in Spain and global travel on the verge of reaching pre-2019 levels.

Bayona, interviewed in her office, highlights the relevance of training in the sector, and believes that creating regulation around the limits of tourism that is attuned to the local citizens’ needs is crucial.

Question. What would you highlight about last year’s evolution in the sector?

Answer. Worldwide, we have reached 88% of the recovery, compared to 2019, with 1.3 billion tourists in 2023. In addition, revenue has risen to $1.4 trillion, which represents a recovery of 93%. And there is something important: the indicator that never decreased during these years was investment in technology, with $2 billion invested in startups. Innovation is the main vehicle for the development of tourism. By region, Europe concentrates 54% of international tourism, with a recovery of 94%. Spain has had record growth. And other countries stand out, such as Albania , with a growth of 53%, Andorra with 31%, Iceland with 15%... which is great, because they are emerging markets. On one hand, we have spectacular dynamism in Spain as a global tourism leader and, on the other, we have emerging markets also growing in Europe, the Americas, Africa...

Q. What are the challenges for 2024?

A. One of the great challenges is education. Tourism is the biggest employer of young people all around the world, but 50% of those young people who work in tourism only have secondary education. Only 25% in the case of OECD countries. And this is related to a second challenge: improving the wage base and the working conditions.

Q. Tourism is seen as an unattractive sector, with a lot of temporary work.

A. For many young people, working in companies related to tourism, as waiters or tour guides, is a way to complement their studies. We must work so that tourism is seen as a stable job, a sector in which to stay, not something temporary to make the leap to another sector that pays better. That is why it’s important that tourism be introduced into secondary and university education, as is already being done in some countries. In tourism, you not only need leadership and communication skills; you also have to know about economics, law... but since people are unaware of this from secondary education, it is difficult for them to associate tourism with an economic career. Sometimes people think that one studies tourism to become a waiter.

Q. In Spain, high-budget tourism is promoted.

A. Raising the quality of the facilities, paired with better salaries etc, is positive. But it is also true that there has to be something for everyone; not everyone can go to a hotel. One of the beautiful things about tourism is that it democratizes. People who can’t go to a five-star hotel can go to a good hotel.

Q. Are there examples of innovation?

A. One of them is the use of virtual reality and augmented reality, which serve, for example, for the traveler to see what the experience of visiting a museum is going to be like. Also artificial intelligence, which is perhaps the most important, as it serves to predict the carrying capacity of a destination. Using visitor data from recent years, the model predicts the times of highest crowding and helps take measures to avoid it. And, thirdly, big data analysis allows us to know the customer very well and personalize the offer.

Q. With the recovery of tourism, some destinations have become overcrowded again . Is it possible to set limits?

A. Tourism can be organized. It’s very easy: it has to be regulated collectively. Tourism must be regulated taking citizens into account. You have to work with them, they are the ones most benefitted — or affected; also with hotel owners, travel agencies, the police... for instance, Ibiza could look for a way to diversify and become, more than just a party destination, also a nature destination. And that has to be agreed upon first. You have to decide what the carrying capacity of a destination is and regulate it. Bhutan , for example, has decided that it only wants a few tourists a year. You also have to decide if you opt for high-spending tourism, what hours you want to set for the shops and entertainment venues, what the conditions should be for people to go to the beach, what types of services can be provided to guarantee that there is trust, that there is security at the destination. Secondly, tourists must be educated; they have to be aware that they must treat the destinations they go to as if it was their own home. Tourism must be taken seriously. It must be treated as a state matter. The Spanish government, for example, has invested heavily in this [type of] tourism, and Spain exports its model to many countries.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition

More information

The success of premium economy class: How airlines are gentrifying the sky

Protecting the world’s most densely populated island from mass tourism

Archived in.

• Francés online
• Inglés online
• Italiano online
• Alemán online
• Crucigramas & Juegos

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

Home   |  About WTO   |  News & events   |  Trade topics   |  WTO membership   |  Documents & resources   |  External relations

Contact us   |  Site map   |  A-Z   |  Search

español   français

• research and analysis
• working papers

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS: WORKING PAPERS

International trade in travel and tourism services: Economic impact and policy responses during the COVID-19 crisis

In this paper, we investigate tourism-related policy approaches that WTO member countries adopted in the early weeks of the COVID-19 crisis. We highlight the need for stakeholders to coordinate their responses in order to mitigate the negative crisis effects and better prepare the sector for the future. In doing so, we explore the economic impact of potential tourism scenarios, underlining both the demand and supply side effects of the crisis.

> Guide to downloading files

By compiling and organising information from a range of sources based on information available at the time, the paper provides a systematic approach to map and analyse tourism-related policies for 59 WTO Members across all continents. Our findings confirm that: (i) almost 90% of the countries analysed focused their tourism policy responses on economic stimulus measures to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 and facilitate a strong recovery; (ii) more than half of the examined countries have taken financial measures to support the sector through loans, tax deferrals etc.; (iii) less than a third of the analysed countries enacted social and employment measures.

No:  ERSD-2020-11

Authors: Panagiotis Barkas, Dale Honeck, Ester Rubio Colomer

Manuscript date: August 2020

Travel, tourism, services trade, COVID-19, economic policy, monitoring, economic impact.

JEL classification numbers:

F13, L83, O14

Disclaimer 

This is a working paper, and hence it represents research in progress. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of its author. They are not intended to represent the positions or opinions of the WTO or its members and are without prejudice to members' rights and obligations under the WTO. Any errors are attributable to the author.

Download paper in pdf format (43 pages, 713KB; opens in a new window)

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Share this content.

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

UN General Assembly Hosts Tourism for Sustainable Development Event

• All Regions
• 17 Apr 2024

The United Nations General Assembly has held a second thematic event focused on tourism and the sector’s critical role in critical role of tourism in advancing sustainable development and resilience.

Organized by the President of the General Assembly in collaboration with UN Tourism , the event was held at the UN Headquarters within the framework of Sustainability Week. The presence of Member States, Observers, civil society organizations, and UN agencies reflected a growing collective commitment to harnessing the transformative power of tourism for inclusive and sustainable development .

The growing significance of the tourism sector for our societies and our economies brings with it extra responsibility. We cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut again. Resilience in the tourism is not just a matter of planning or reacting to crises.

Addressing the General Assembly, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The growing significance of the tourism sector for our societies and our economies brings with it extra responsibility. We cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut again. Resilience in the tourism is not just a matter of planning or reacting to crises. It is also about proactively addressing the underlying factors of those crises. Unsustainable consumption is leading to biodiversity loss, climate change and the emergence of pandemics. It's vital that we adopt policies that accelerate transformative change.”

The President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Dennis Francis, said: "We need a global tourism sector that is sustainable – one with deep local value chains that expand demand for locally made products and services in ways that also directly and positively benefit local communities; a sector that serves as a positive force for biodiversity conservation, heritage protection and climate friendly livelihoods."

High-level platform for statistics-led strategy

The thematic event provided a platform for Member States to share best practices, strategies, and innovative approaches to promote sustainable and resilient tourism, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key highlights included:

• Fireside Chat: The Future of Tourism - Leaders from the tourism industry, academia, and civil society engaged in a dynamic discussion on the future of tourism and the need for innovative solutions to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Ministerial Roundtables : Discussions were held on the launch of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism and strategies for fostering resilient tourism in the face of global challenges. Ministers and high-level officials shared insights and commitments to advance sustainable tourism practices and policies.

In closing, the President of the General Assembly reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership to address the complex challenges facing the tourism sector and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting sustainable tourism as a catalyst for positive change.

In February, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution to declare 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism . The resolution invites UN Tourism to work with Governments, UN agencies and international organizations to on the implementation of the themed year.

New York, U.S.A.

Credit un photo/loey felipe, related links:.

• Download News Release on PDF
• Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST)
• Sustainable tourism development
• Video: High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly
• Tourism 4SDGs

Related Content

Un tourism and hotelschool the hague to drive innovatio..., a united vision for nature - 'nature positive' report m..., un tourism international forum – quintana roo “tourism ..., european committee of the regions and un tourism break ....

• Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific (RSOAP)
• Member States in Asia and the Pacific
• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM OBSERVATORIES (INSTO)

According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year,  international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels , with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals .  The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024 (UNWTO Tourism Barometer January 2024 – Press Release) .

An estimated 1286 million international tourists (overnight visitors) were recorded around the world in 2023, an increase of 34% over 2022. International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by strong pent-up demand (UNWTO Tourism Barometer January 2024-Excerpt) .

International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels. This central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks (UNWTO Tourism Barometer January 2024 – Press Release) .  

Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels, with a gradual recovery since the start of 2023 following the reopening of several markets and destinations. However, performance among subregions were mixed, with South Asia recovering 87% of pre-pandemic levels and North-East Asia, 55% (UNWTO Tourism Barometer January 2024-Excerpt) .

There is still significant room for recovery across Asia. The recent reopening of several source markets and destinations is expected to boost recovery in the region and globally (UNWTO Tourism Barometer January 2024- Excerpt) .

Read more on the UNWTO Tourism Barometer (January 2024 excerpt) here .

About the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer

The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer is a publication of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that monitors short-term tourism trends regularly to provide global tourism stakeholders with up-to-date analysis of international tourism. The information is updated several times a year and includes an analysis of the latest data on tourism destinations (inbound tourism) and source markets (outbound tourism). The Barometer also includes three times a year Confidence Index based on the UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts survey, which provides an evaluation of recent performance and short-term prospects for international tourism.

Regional Support Office in Asia and the Pacific (RSOAP)

Rsoap a to z.

• Sustainable Tourism Observatories(INSTO)

UNWTO A to Z

• About UNWTO
• Affiliate Members
• Member States
• Tourism in the 2030 Agenda
• World Tourism Day
• Technical Cooperation
• ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
• MIDDLE EAST
• RESOURCES/SERVICES
• Sustainable Development of Tourism
• Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility
• Market Intelligence
• Tourism Data Dashboard
• Publications
• UNWTO Academy

Partners links

© UNWTO Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific (RSOAP)

Be prepared to visit Spain with these 16 things to know before you go

Jun 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Here's what you need to know to get ready for a trip to Spain © Flashpop / Getty Images

Spain has been home for the past 16 years, ever since I moved to its capital Madrid in my early thirties.

From day one, it was easy to be charmed by this warm and inviting country . It ticks a lot of  boxes in terms of what you’re looking for in a European destination – great cuisine and wine , spectacular landscapes , architectural gems, green spaces and a thriving art scene. 

Getting around the country is also very convenient, thanks to Spain's efficient and reliable multi-modal public transport system . And the Spanish people are some of the friendliest locals, who will happily go out of their way to point you in the right direction if you’re lost.

Of course there were still some cultural quirks I had to adjust to – for one, eating times in Spain are very late in comparison with the rest of the world's dining schedules. I still remember my early days in Madrid when my belly would be in outright rebellion while waiting for “early” dinner reservations at 9pm. And forget about making a speedy exit from social gatherings; in Spain saying farewell could take up another hour of your time.

Cultural idiosyncrasies aside, your trip to this incredible country can be your most memorable one yet if you plan well ahead, and follow these useful travel tips.

1. Pack warm clothes. Really.

There is a humorous Spanish expression that goes, “Hasta cuarenta de mayo, no te quites el sayo” , which translates to “Until the 40th of May, don’t remove your coat” – sage advice to keep a jacket handy until mid-June. While Spain may be famous for its blue skies and sun-drenched beaches, it actually has more colder seasons in the year than warm ones, during early spring (March to May), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). Regions in northern Spain, such as the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia, have cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country. 

2. Being cashless is common

Card is king in Spain. The main tourist hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona , San Sebastián and Ibiza are generally credit card-friendly destinations. In fact, you could go cashless for days and pay for your meals, drinks, taxis and bus fares without a problem using a credit or debit card.

If you do bring cash, make sure you have loose change. Several establishments, bus and taxi drivers, especially on morning shifts, usually do not have change for bigger bills. So if you prefer paying cash, it’s a good idea to be stocked up on smaller bills (€5 and €10) and coins.

3. Choose your time to visit Madrid wisely

Think twice about visiting Madrid in August . Most establishments in the Spanish capital close, and Madrileños usually head for the beaches to escape the brutal August heat . 

4. Expect to eat late

Prepare for late Spanish dining times. Many tourists who come to Spain for the first time end up hungry while waiting for restaurants to open. Most restaurants open for lunch from 1pm to 4pm, and dinner from 8pm to 1am. A lot of establishments also close on Mondays. You can stave off hunger pangs before mealtimes by snacking on tapas – small savory plates that are usually free with a drink order in many Spanish cities. In San Sebastián or Bilbao in the Basque Country , you can savor pintxos , or bite-sized portions typically served on a slice of bread and skewered with a toothpick.

5. Ordering certain drinks will immediately mark you as a tourist

A popular drink among tourists, sangría is usually served in pitchers meant for sharing, and not by the glass. Instead, try ordering a local favorite that’s similar to sangría, tinto de verano , a concoction of red wine and lemon soda. 

Ask for a caña  like a local instead of a cerveza . A caña  is a small glass of beer on tap (about 250ml).

6. Tipping is not expected

European countries in general don’t have a tipping culture. But of course, it is very much appreciated – especially if you enjoyed good service. 

7. Don't eat food while you’re on the move

Eating is an age-old pleasure that must be savored unhurriedly, so it’s uncommon to see Spaniards biting sandwiches or munching on fries while walking down the street or riding public transportation. 

8. Look for fixed-price lunches

Order the menú del día (daily menu) for lunch on weekdays. Take your cue from the locals and ask for the fixed-price menu (ranging from €8 to €17) that includes a three-course meal with dessert, drinks, bread and coffee.

9. Eat late, stay late

Make time for sobremesa  – lingering long after a meal for a post-dining conversation. This is a hallmark of sociable Spanish culture, to extend conversations well beyond mealtimes to be able to enjoy each other’s company for as long as possible, usually over drinks.

10. Keep an eye on your belongings

Be vigilant of pickpockets and keep your belongings close. Pickpockets are unfortunately rampant in high tourist traffic areas. If you’re sitting at an outdoor table, watch out for vendors that get suspiciously close and distract you with their items for sale, such as flowers or lottery tickets, while they surreptitiously steal your wallet or mobile phone on the table (this is a modus operandi I’ve witnessed more than once!). 

11. You can drink tap water in Spain

Go ahead and drink the tap water. Spanish tap water or “agua de grifo” is safe to drink, though the taste varies across regions. 

12. There's one number for an emergency

Call 112 for any emergency. You can contact this number for any kind of emergency in Spain, even without a Spanish SIM card on your mobile phone. You’ll be connected to the right emergency service through multilingual operators. To contact the Spanish National Police, dial 091. 

 13. Dress appropriately when away from the beach

Opt for smart casual attire and avoid overly casual outfits like athleisure wear, beachwear, or excessively revealing clothing in the city. If you’re visiting religious sites such as churches, cathedrals or mosques, cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for these places.

14. Brush up on basic Spanish

Like any destination, it helps a lot if you know basic local phrases. While you can get by speaking English in the bigger, more touristy cities, it is a different story when visiting smaller, lesser-known towns outside the tourist radar. 

Don't say “no problemo”, which is incorrect. The correct phrase is “no hay problema” or more colloquially, say “no pasa nada” . 

15. Know what is considered polite

Greet people, even strangers. It’s commonplace to greet people in elevators, shops and along hallways. Compliment good service by saying “muy amable” . Meaning “very kind”, this is a commonly used polite phrase to express gratitude for someone’s helpfulness. It can be said in different situations – if a person has gone out of their way to assist you, like giving you directions, holding a door or giving up their seat for you. You can also say this to show your appreciation for customer service that goes above and beyond.

16. Don’t leave a social gathering without saying goodbye

It is generally frowned upon to leave an occasion without letting your host know. However, be prepared for a long, drawn out goodbye – the Spanish are highly sociable people who like extending conversations, leading to lengthy, and often multiple stages of farewells. 

Explore related stories

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Summer is just around the corner in the northern hemisphere. Here's where the Lonely Planet team is going.

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 8, 2024 • 17 min read

Mar 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 28, 2024 • 3 min read

Travel Safe

Practical information

Travel tips

Useful information for your trip to Spain

We offer you practical advice on border requirements, money, security, health and internet connection and inform you of the habitual opening hours in Spain, our public holidays, driving tips and what you need to know if you are travelling with pets. That way you will be prepared and informed on everything you need to know. Welcome and have a great trip!

Visa and passport

What should you bear in mind?

What regulations are there?

How do you pay in Spain?

What information is it handy to know?

What do you need to know?

How do you say...?

Connections

How to get mobile cover and internet access

How do you make a tourist complaint?

Companion animals

Can you travel with them?

Timetables and public holidays

What are they?

How do you drive in Spain?

What documents are needed?

Turespaña offices abroad

These are the Spanish tourist offices abroad:

Embassies in Spain

Select a country to find out where its embassy in Spain is located.

• Select a country to find out where its embassies in Spain are located Germany Andorra Australia Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Canada Colombia Switzerland Croatia Slovenia United Arab Emirates Israel Kuwait United States Russia Philippines Luxembourg Netherlands Iran Ireland Japan Jordan Latvia Lithuania Malta Mexico New Zealand Monaco Denmark Norway Thailand Saudi Arabia Belgium Morocco United Kingdom Egypt Argentina Austria Bolivia Czech Republic Chile Costa Rica Dominican Republic Ecuador Slovakia Estonia Brazil Finland France Greece Honduras Hungary India Indonesia Italy Moldova Nicaragua Uruguay Paraguay Peru Poland China Portugal El Salvador San Marino South Africa Turkey Venezuela Romania Serbia Ukraine Guatemala Cuba Sweden

Other information of interest

Your first time in Spain?

7 happy Spanish customs

10 reasons to visit Spain

Find more information about ...

How to get to Spain

Different ways to travel

Well-connected destinations

Download brochures

Make the most of your trip to Spain

The weather

What's the temperature in Spain?

Interactive map

Find the things that interest you

We’ll help you to find the best travel plans

The pain in Spain: Where are Brits not so welcome this summer?

• Friday 19 April 2024 at 7:33pm

Tourists are facing a backlash from residents in Tenerife as islanders say they are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, ITV News Europe Editor James Mates reports

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for British tourists, but the country is feeling the backlash of the cheap flights and sunny climes as large numbers of visitors are causing big problems.

A number of provinces have taken matters into their own hands and are providing guidance - and in some case strict rules - for tourists visiting over the summer, as they try and tackle overcrowding and the problems that come with it.

Tourism represents nearly 12% of Spain’s economy but there has been growing pressure from locals for governments to put measures in place to reduce the number of visitors.

So which parts of Spain might not be so keen for Brits to descend this summer?

Canary Islands

Protestors in Tenerife started a hunger strike on April 12 as part of a wider campaign demanding the Canary Islands government tackle the effects of excess tourism in the region.

Hundreds of people linked arms to form a human chain to demonstrate against the building of an additional hotel and beach resort, as well as future projects aimed at attracting more tourists. The hunger strike was still underway on Wednesday at the time of writing.

The wider movement is called Canarias Se Agota, which means 'The Canaries Have Had Enough'.

In an Instagram post the organisation said the Canary Islands are "exhausted" because of the "excessive tourism" and the "lack of attention to the basic needs of the population".

Last year the then-mayor of Barcelona described tourism as a "great challenge" for the city, and suggested there needed to be a way to limit the number of people pouring in during holiday season.

Ada Colau limited the number of hotel beds in the city during her tenure, highlighting that the city needs homes so there is space for residents to live in the busy centre.

Her successor, Jaume Collboni, banned cruise ships from docking at the Muelle Barcelona Norte and the World Trade Centre docks, a mile away from the Gothic quarter, in October.

Now cruises must dock at the Moll d’Adossat pier, which is a 30-minute bus ride from the historic centre.

Meanwhile one neighbourhood went as far as to get a local bus route removed from Google and Apple Maps to discourage tourists from using it as it was often too busy for residents to fit onboard.

“We laughed at the idea at first,” a local activist, César Sánchez, told the Guardian. “But we’re amazed that the measure has been so effective.”

Wider Catalonia region

Barcelona is the largest city in the Catalonia region, but authorities for the entire area are considering imposing water restrictions on tourists if domestic consumption does not decrease.

The Catalan government is considering a restriction of 100 litres of water per day per tourist for hotels for three months as it looks to tackle drought in the area.

According to Barcelona’s hotel guild, the average tourist to Barcelona in 2022 used some 163 litres per day, while the figure rose to over 240 litres for luxury hotels.

The limits for tourists would not include the water used to fill swimming pools.

Majorca has introduced a series of new rules over the last couple of years that aren't explicitly preventing tourists from enjoying the island, but do seek to weed out "drunken tourism".

A number of restaurants banned shirtless, costumed or football-shirt-wearing travellers, according to Juan Miguel Ferrer, the chief executive of Palma Beach.

Swimwear, trunks and novelty accessories bought from roadside vendors - such as gold chains - are also said to be banned.

"Since May 10, we’ve been suffering the arrival of large groups of tourists who are only looking to get drunk in the streets, or on the seafront or even on the beach,” Mr Ferrer said in 2022.

“You’re not going to come here in beach clothes or come straight from drinking in the streets."

Alicante introduced new noise-related restrictions in 2023 in response to influxes of tourists causing disruption for locals.

Rules had originally been put in place in 2019, but they were strengthened last year. The array of noises encompassed by the regulations include open air concerts, use of musical instruments on beaches, and shouting.

The local city council warned of hefty fines for anybody flouting the rules.

Money matters and passport pains

Post-Brexit, Brits are subject to the 'third states' rules Spain imposes on visitors from outside the European Union.

A traveller visiting Spain must "present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay", or at least the ability to legally obtain that money, according to the Spanish foreign ministry.

In 2023, the minimum amount required was $120 (£97) per person per day, and the traveller had to have at least $1100 (£885) or its equivalent in foreign currency regardless of the length of the stay.

Travellers can show they have enough money by presenting cash, travellers' cheques, a credit card with a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book or similar. The ministry states that bank letters or online bank statements are not accepted.

Brits flying abroad are also being warned about post-Brexit passport rules , which have landed travellers with hefty fines.

Some families are finding themselves thousands of pounds out of pocket when they have been banned from boarding flights due to the rule changes.

When the UK was a member of the EU, British passports remained valid up to and including their expiry date for travel to other EU countries, but now passports need to be valid for valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting.

More details of the post-Brexit rules on passports can be found on the ITV News website .

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…