Barcelona’s city hall is implementing a new strategy to utilize €100 million ($108 million) generated from its tourist tax to fund green initiatives addressing both climate change and the environmental impact of tourism. The move aims to counteract negative sentiments towards tourists, exacerbated by graffiti conveying unwelcoming messages across the city.
Currently, Barcelona hosts around 7 million tourists annually, putting strain on local services, particularly waste removal. In response, the city imposed a tourist tax of €2.75 ($3) per person per night, increasing to €3.25 ($4) from April 1. Historically, these taxes were primarily directed towards compensating the impact of tourism on the city, covering services like cleaning, safety, and public transport.
However, the new strategy marks a shift towards long-term environmental benefits. Jordi Valls, Barcelona’s head of economic and tourism promotion, stated, “This year we’ve decided to go a step further and spend the tax on financing public services from a climate point of view.”
Barcelona, facing a changing climate with rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves, is directing these funds towards installing heat pumps and solar panels in state-owned schools. The objective is to enhance the learning environment for students while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The plan envisions air conditioning systems powered by rooftop solar in 170 schools by 2029, replacing old gas boilers with more eco-friendly heat pumps where possible. Additionally, the initiative aims to install 181,000 square meters (1.9 million square feet) of solar panels across school properties, with excess energy benefiting neighboring public buildings, thereby lowering electricity costs and promoting clean energy usage.
The Barcelona initiative serves as a potential model for other European cities grappling with climate change and a surge in tourism. In Venice, Italy, a similar tourist tax is currently earmarked for services and projects linked to tourism, including cultural events and heritage preservation.
Paris, Europe’s most visited city, has increased its overnight tax for tourists staying in the Île de France region, with the funds allocated for transportation upgrades and the creation of green spaces ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
While Barcelona’s efforts have been praised, some critics argue that more could be done with the considerable funds generated by tourism. Janet Sanz, a member of the city council and the vice president for climate action, suggests redirecting funds towards infrastructure improvements like new bike lanes and the expansion of green spaces, emphasizing the city’s global appeal doesn’t require extensive promotion.