barcelona tourist numbers

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• Data and studies

Shared knowledge is an essential tool in addressing the debate on tourism in the city. In this section, data is being made available to citizens, entities, companies and administrations.

Tourist activity infographic. June 2024

Collection of the main indicators of tourist activity in Barcelona during the month of June 2024.

Annual Report on Tourism Activity. Year 2023. Capsule 3.

Summary of the main indicators of tourist activity in Barcelona for the year 2023 compared to 2022.

Perceptions of tourism in the city 2023

 The report presents the results of a survey conducted among Barcelona residents on perceptions of tourism in the city and opinions of current affairs and tourist habits.

Tax on Stays in Tourist Establishments (IEET)

Compilation of data on collection, revenue and expenditure from the IEET and the surcharge applied by the Barcelona City Council.

Statistics and surveys

Annual Report of the Tourist Activity 2023, which collects the data of supply of accommodation, tourist demand and infrastructures, on the profile and expenditure and on the assessment of tourists, public opinion, the labor market and the sustainability of the Destination Barcelona.

Annual report that presents the main data on tourist activity in Barcelona. Observatori del Turisme a Barcelona: ciutat i regió

Presentation of the results of a study on tourist characterisation and profiles. Its main aim is to identify the profiles and habits of tourists spending the night in Barcelona. 

Presentation of results of a survey conducted among Barcelona residents on perceptions of tourism in the city and opinions of current affairs and tourist habits. Department of Opinion Surveys at Barcelona City Council.

Recommended websites

Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona: city and region

Main statistical tourism information of Destination Barcelona

Register of surveys and opinion polls by Barcelona City Council

The register of surveys and opinion polls by Barcelona City Council is a public database containing descriptions of all surveys and opinion polls conducted by City Council.

LABturisme - Diputació de Barcelona

 LABturisme is the department for tourist data at Barcelona Provincial Council in charge of R+D, training and innovation on tourism in municipalities in the province of Barcelona.

Barcelona Economia

Barcelona Economia  is a website by City Council which monitors the economy of the city based on the collation and analysis of the main indicators in Barcelona and its metropolitan area.

Barcelona Cultural Data Observatory

Barcelona Cultural Data Observatory is an initiative by the Culture Institute (ICUB) at Barcelona City Council, created with the purpose of publishing data, indicators and reports on the city’s cultural reality.

Department of Statistics. Barcelona City Council

The Department of Statistics at Barcelona City Council specialises in the theory and practice of data collection and analysis and turning them into useful information. The first yearbook for the City of Barcelona dates back to 1902.

Barcelona Tourist Consortium

The Barcelona Tourist Consortium, an initiative by City Council and the Chamber of Commerce, is the body which promotes tourism in the city. Reports and publications date back to 1989.

Statistical Institute of Catalonia

The Statistical Institute of Catalonia (Idescat) is the statistics body of the Government of Catalonia and is responsible for the planning, normalisation, coordination and management of the statistics system in Catalonia.

National Statistics Institute

The National Statistics Institute (INE) compiles state statistics on demography, the economy and society. The official website offers up to date information on the different fields of study.

• 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.

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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.

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• Barcelona Card
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Barcelona protests: holiday hotspots need fairer tourism for local communities

Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, Bangor University

Disclosure statement

Linda Osti has received funding from Welsh Government to conduct research relating to the proposed visitor levy.

Bangor University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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It all appeared to begin in early July with angry Barceloni residents squirting tourists with water as they sat on restaurant terraces. “Tourists go home!” shouted locals to bemused diners in the busy Las Ramblas district, voicing their frustration at the problems their city faces, constantly overrun with visitors. Last year around 12 million people visited the Catalan capital, bringing €9.6 billion (£8.2 billion) to the local economy.

However, protests against tourism in Spain are not new. Anti-tourist graffiti – “Your luxury trip is my daily misery” – was appearing in Barcelona as early as 2017. Many academics, governments, and international agencies like the UN World Tourism Organisation saw COVID lockdowns as an opportunity to reset. They advocated for new forms of tourism, rejecting the unsustainable growth of the past.

In 2023 the bad behaviour of tourists and clashes with locals prompted the BBC to ask : “Is this the summer of bad tourists?” But what caused this year’s protests, and what can be done in the short term to support fairer tourism in travel hotspots, remains a pressing question with no easy answers.

The debate on the relationship between host communities and visitors has been an issue since mass tourism took off in the 1970s. Introduced in 1975, the Irridex model – known as “the irritation index” – suggests that residents’ attitudes toward tourism evolve, like grief, through several stages: starting with euphoria, then apathy, irritation, and eventually, antagonism. This progression occurs as the perceived costs of tourism begin to outweigh expected benefits with the growth of tourist numbers and destination development.

So is this antagonism a natural evolution of tourism in popular destinations? Or is it caused by untenable visitor numbers, bad behaviour, and a lack of co-ordinated vision for tourism by cities? Disentangling the complexity of the reasons for recent protests requires considering all of the above.

Tourists versus locals

The term “ overtourism ” frequently appears in the media, often reflecting a lack of effective management by local authorities. With tourism intensity growing, hotspot destinations face a simple choice: either carry on and become unsustainable, or opt to introduce regulation and become sustainable.

Both Catalonia and the nearby Balearic Islands have attempted to regulate tourism. A recent study on tourist tax revealed that these destinations use tax revenues to address the negative effects of tourism.

In the Balearics, the tax is used to fund sustainable projects including access to housing for local people . However, the pressures on the property market in these islands means these projects are insufficient.

In Catalonia, tourism tax goes to individual municipalities and the Catalan tourist board, which is focusing its efforts on promoting tourism inland and during the low season. On top, a surcharge came into force for Barcelona in 2021 and has steadily increased since.

However, shifting from quantity to quality is challenging. In the past, tour operators held significant power , but new technology has shifted that power to tourists, who organise their own holidays through airline websites and accommodation platforms like Airbnb. Often overlooked is the fact that tourism is a complex system with a variety of operators, vested interests, influences and competing needs. And the role of low-cost airlines is often neglected.

A Ryanair flight from London to Barcelona can cost less than £50, similar to the price of train ticket from London to Anglesey. At that price why would a Londoner choose a more sustainable holiday in Wales over Catalonia? Coupled with social media causing “uncontrollable marketing” , airlines are prompting shorter and cheaper holidays at hotspot destinations.

The surge of holiday rental platforms in cities like Barcelona is bringing primarily lower-paid jobs, contributing only marginally to local economies and causing property prices to inflate. This ends up affecting livelihoods and forcing poorer people to move out of their communities.

In response, the city’s mayor Jaume Collboni announced that holiday flat permits would not be renewed at the end of their existing four-year term . Which means by 2028, 10,000 rental flats will be returned to the housing market for sale or long-term rent for city dwellers.

Time for a shift

Other destinations, like Venice, have gone further, introducing a day-visitor fee . But is this sufficient to control numbers and bring the power back to local residents? The experimental period came to an end on July 14 2024, and has certainly raised funds for the maintenance of Venice. But has it deterred day visits to the city or improved the lifestyle of Venetians? This is yet to be investigated.

Government interventions often have limited success. Part of the problem is visitors themselves, who need to be educated towards a more sustainable way of holidaying. And part of the problem lies with entrepreneurs, who are profiting from the tourism industry at the expense of local communities who can’t afford to live there.

So a shift is required: one that involves, essentially, local communities in the development – and often redevelopment – of tourism. Tourist boards, visitor organisations and government agencies need to embrace more projects that are community-led and community-based. This form of tourism can help redistribute the economic benefits and foster greater acceptance of the annual influx of visitors that disrupts entire cities.

But this idea has its challenges . Tourism based around communities requires years of planning, especially in larger urban areas like Barcelona. Communication, tolerance and building trust between residents and government agencies is essential.

Meantime, in Santorini last month, residents were told to stay at home so that tourists can wander around the island . All this does is cause more resentment towards tourists, and trust in the authorities diminishes. It appears that 2024 signals a low point in mass tourism – solutions need to be found fast. For now, Barcelona seems to be listening to its citizenry and has made a commendable start.

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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.

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What Spain’s Latest Tourism Numbers Say About the Mass Protests

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

August 6th, 2024 at 9:29 AM EDT

Spain's latest tourism data confirms that it's experiencing an unprecedented boom in tourism — a complaint of locals.

Dawit Habtemariam

More tourists than last year are visiting Spain and staying in short-term rentals, according to the Spanish government’s latest data.

In the first six months of 2024, the number of tourists visiting Spain increased by 13.3% and exceeded 42.5 million, according to recent data released by Spain’s government data agency INE. Tourists spent 55.8 million euros during this period.

Here are three takeaways from the government’s latest data:

Number of guests in tourist apartments, i.e. short-term rentals, in the Balearic Islands surged. Over 236,000 guests stayed in a tourist apartment in June 2024, up around 40% from last year.

In June and July, thousands of protesters demonstrated in Mallorca, the region’s capital, demanding tight restrictions on short-term rentals. Locals blamed the conversion of residential apartments to short-term rentals for the rise of living costs and gentrification.

UK and Germany are Spain’s biggest source markets. All of Spain’s source markets are up from last year, but Germany and the the UK grew the most by volume. Visitors from those countries were over 5.5 million and 7.7 million , respectively.

In Barcelona, one of the leading groups organizing protests demanded limits on international travel to the city. Among the proposals of the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourism Degrowth was a limit on international flights to Barcelona.

The Canary Islands experienced an increase in tourist apartment guests. Over 266,500 guests stayed at a tourist apartment in the Canary Islands in June 2024, up from 259,000 last year.

In April, thousands of protestors demonstrated on the streets of Tenerife . Protestors have blamed tourism for pricing out communities and want to see a stop in short-term rental and hotel expansion.

Local authorities in the Canary Islands are planning to draft tighter restrictions on short-term rentals.

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Tags: overtourism , spain , tourism

Spain on Track for Record Year of Foreign Tourists

W ith its sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, and warm climate, Spain consistently ranks among the top holiday destinations in Europe.

Spain is expected to break its record for foreign tourists this year, with a 13% increase in visitors during the first half of 2024.

The country, already the world’s second most visited after France, is likely to surpass last year’s peak of 85 million tourists.

According to Reuters , Spain welcomed 42.5 million international visitors in the first six months of 2024.

"Tourists Go Home!": Angry Mob Targets Tourists in Barcelona

In June alone, 9 million tourists arrived, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.

This surge suggests that 2024 could set a new record for tourism in Spain, continuing the country’s strong recovery after the pandemic.

Economic Benefits vs. Local Discontent

Tourism is a major part of Spain’s economy, with tourists spending 12.3 billion euros in June 2024 (around $13.3 billion).

This is 17% more than in the same month last year.

However, the rising number of tourists is causing concern in popular destinations like Mallorca, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.

Many locals are worried about the impact of mass tourism on housing prices and their quality of life. Protests have been held, and in Barcelona, some anti-tourism activists even sprayed water pistols at foreign visitors while chanting "tourists, go home."

In response to these concerns, the Spanish government has introduced stricter rules on short-term and seasonal housing rentals. These new measures aim to address the problems caused by the surge in tourism while trying to balance the benefits with the needs of local communities.

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Is Barcelona Safe for Travel in 2024?

Updated September 19, 2023

Is Barcelona safe for travel? Generally, yes! This Spanish city is full of color, life, and tables of tapas. 

Locals tell us that there are a few things that travelers should know about safety in Barcelona. They helped us come up with this guide to their hometown, which covers everything from the COVID pandemic to tips for solo travelers. 

Spain and the COVID pandemic 

After years of restrictions, it’s now easy for Americans to travel to Spain! Proof of vaccination is not required. Neither is COVID testing. However, travelers aged six and older still need to wear a mask when using public transportation. 

Anyone who plans a trip to Spain should educate themselves on the local pandemic situation and follow any rules in place.

Safety in Barcelona

Barcelona offers visitors a thrilling combination of beaches, breathtaking architecture, and bountiful restaurants and bars. It’s a wonderful place to visit in Spain and is quite safe. 

Still, locals say there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Barcelona is a big city (the second-largest in Spain). As a popular tourist destination, it also draws pickpockets and scammers who could put a damper on your adventure. 

All in all, Spain is safe to visit—as long as you employ certain precautions.

Common scams in Barcelona

Although Spain is a safe destination, locals tell us you should beware of common scams that target tourists. Locals say: 

• Be cautious in Las Ramblas: The main boulevard in Barcelona is popular among tourists. Iconic and beautiful, it’s a must-see. But be careful here. Avoid the south part of Las Ramblas, especially at night. And avoid eating at restaurants here if you can, as they are often geared toward tourists and are overpriced. 
• Watch out for other “tourists”: Thieves in Barcelona can be crafty. In this scam, they’ll try to look like a tourist by holding a camera and map. They may ask for directions or help and then steal from you. Or, they’ll infiltrate a crowd of tourists and get to work picking pockets.
• Beware of bird poo : In this scam, someone will toss a small amount of liquid on your shoe or pants. Then, someone else will try to help you clean off the “bird poo.” While you’re distracted, their partner will pick your pockets. 
• Stay aware of your surroundings : Barcelona is a huge city. It’s popular with tourists, and pickpockets know it. So, be careful in crowds and at places like train stations. Keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings. 
• Refuse any “gifts” : This scam is popular throughout Europe. Here, scammers will try to offer you a gift—like a rose or a bracelet. Refuse. If you accept the gift, the scammer will make a scene and demand payment. 

Overall, using common sense and caution will help you avoid scams in Barcelona. 

What to know about Catalonia independence protests 

The  Catalonia independence movement  has inspired recent protests in Barcelona. It is possible that you’ll encounter protests like this when you visit. Although such protests are meant to be peaceful, they have in the past turned violent. 

Is Barcelona safe for solo travelers?

Barcelona is safe for solo travelers, but locals tell us there are a few things anyone traveling alone should keep in mind. Locals say: 

• If you swim, don’t leave your belongings on the beach: Thieves often target beaches, since people will leave their belongings on the sand while they swim. 
• Don’t eat an early dinner : Things start late in Spain! So if you’re looking to enjoy as much of the city as possible, resist the temptation to eat early. Locals won’t show up to restaurants until 8 pm or 9 pm. 
• Know how to get home : Once the night has ended—and in Spain, that may be in the wee hours of the morning—be sure you know how to get home. 
• Keep an eye on your drink : If someone offers to buy you a drink, be sure you see it made—just like you would at home.

Important Spanish phrases to know

No matter where you stay in Spain, it’s a good idea to learn a few words and phrases. Locals tell us that these are some good basics: 

• Por favor —Please
• Gracias —Thank you
• De nada —You’re welcome
• Buenos dias —Good morning
• Disculpe ...Excuse me—
• Dónde está ...—Where is…?

Emergency numbers to know

Although you probably won't need them, here are some emergency numbers to keep on hand—just in case! 

Emergency - 112 

Police - 091 

Health emergencies - 061

U.S. Embassy Madrid (34) 91-587-2200

Website - U.S. Embassy Madrid

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International tourism volume in Catalonia 2000-2023

Catalonia: spain’s top international tourist hub, how much do visitors to catalonia spend during their trip, number of international tourists in catalonia, spain from 2000 to 2023 (in millions).

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2000 to 2023

overnight visitors excluding residents of other Spanish autonomous communities

*Provisional figure. Data prior to 2015 was provided by Turespaña through its publication "Estadística de movimientos turísticos en frontera (FRONTUR)". Release date is the date of data retrieval. Numbers were rounded.

Other statistics on the topic Inbound tourism in Spain

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• Countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2023
• Destinations with the highest inbound tourism receipts worldwide 2019-2023
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• Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by region of destination

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Statistics on " Inbound tourism in Spain "

• Contribution of inbound tourism spending to Spanish GDP 2010-2021
• Contribution of inbound tourism spending to Spanish exports of services 2010-2021
• International tourism spending in Spain 2012-2022
• Quarterly online revenue of travel agencies from inbound spending in Spain 2017-2022
• Share of travel and tourism spending in Spain 2022, by traveler origin
• Inbound same-day and overnight visitors in Spain 2010-2022
• Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by transport mode
• Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by travel reason
• Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by lodging type
• British tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Per capita spend by British tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• French tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Per capita spend by French tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• German tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Per capita spend by German tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• European travelers' favorite destinations for their next European trip 2024
• Inbound tourism volume in Catalonia 2023, by travel reason
• Inbound tourism volume in the Balearic Islands 2022, by island
• Inbound tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2022, by main island
• Spanish cities with the largest number of international hotel guests 2023

Other statistics that may interest you Inbound tourism in Spain

Key figures

• Premium Statistic Countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Destinations with the highest inbound tourism receipts worldwide 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Contribution of inbound tourism spending to Spanish GDP 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Contribution of inbound tourism spending to Spanish exports of services 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic International tourism spending in Spain 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Quarterly online revenue of travel agencies from inbound spending in Spain 2017-2022
• Basic Statistic Share of travel and tourism spending in Spain 2022, by traveler origin

Tourism volume

• Premium Statistic Inbound same-day and overnight visitors in Spain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by transport mode
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by travel reason
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by lodging type
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by origin

Main source markets

• Premium Statistic British tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Per capita spend by British tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic French tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Per capita spend by French tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic German tourists in Spain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Per capita spend by German tourists in Spain 2010-2022

Main destinations

• Premium Statistic European travelers' favorite destinations for their next European trip 2024
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by region of destination
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Catalonia 2023, by travel reason
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in the Balearic Islands 2022, by island
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2022, by main island
• Premium Statistic Spanish cities with the largest number of international hotel guests 2023

Further related statistics

• Premium Statistic Average international tourist spend per trip in Catalonia 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Monthly number of inbound overnight and same-day visitors in Spain 2020-2023
• Premium Statistic International tourism volume in the Community of Madrid 2001-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist average daily expenditure Spain 2019, by country or residence
• Premium Statistic International hotel guests in Spain 2016-2023
• Premium Statistic European travelers in Spain 2023, by origin
• Premium Statistic International tourism volume in the Balearics 2001-2022

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• Average international tourist spend per trip in Catalonia 2016-2022
• Monthly number of inbound overnight and same-day visitors in Spain 2020-2023
• International tourism volume in the Community of Madrid 2001-2022
• International tourist average daily expenditure Spain 2019, by country or residence
• International hotel guests in Spain 2016-2023
• European travelers in Spain 2023, by origin
• International tourism volume in the Balearics 2001-2022

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Error message, the 20 most visited places of interest in destination barcelona recovered more than 5.5 million visitors in 2021.

The OTB publishes the complete report of the tourism activity in Barcelona in 2021

• Despite Covid-19 restrictive measures, Destination Barcelona attracted 200 meetings and nearly 100,000 delegates.
• Barcelona was ranked 4th in the ranking of international overnight stays in European cities .
• The 20 most visited places of interest in Destination Barcelona recovered 71.2% of visitors.
• 1 out of 3 cruise passengers at Port of Barcelona was Italian .
• The online reputation of the Barcelona region was 8.27 out of 10 according to the iRONⓇ index.

The Barcelona Tourism Observatory presents the  full report on Tourism Activity in Barcelona 2021 , a report that reflects the prolongation of the effects of the impact of Covid-19 on tourism activity, especially during the first half of the year.   Increased traveller confidence, thanks to progress in vaccinations and the easing of entry restrictions in many destinations, led to a moderate recovery in international tourism in the second half of the year .

This report includes 4 new chapters to the previously released capsules: Meetings and fair activity, International positioning, Culture and leisure, and General information about Barcelona.

Other contents have been also updated with definitive data : Open accommodation supply, Tourism demand, Airport and Country of residence.

In addition, the availability of data has allowed the addition of two new items to the previous capsules published: Online reputation and Cruise passengers by nationality .

Meetings tourism

In 2021, meetings tourism continued to be affected by the different waves of the Covid-19 pandemic , which dictated the rate at which restrictions were lifted for professional meetings. For yet another year, the meetings tourism sector had to face the many changes that took place throughout the year.

Finally, and according to the available data, in 2021, some two hundred meetings (face-to-face and hybrid) were held in Destination Barcelona. Most of them were held from September onwards and attracted close to 100,000 delegates , more than twice as many as the previous year, although still six times lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Most corporate meetings (58%) that had an impact on Barcelona Destination were promoted by Spanish entities . This was the same proportion as in 2020.

At the Fira de Barcelona , 34 on-site events were organised, with 4,500 direct exhibitors . In total, more than 455,000 visitors were registered, of which almost 9 out of 10 came from Spain .

International positioning

Barcelona ranked 9 th in the total overnight stays in European cities ranking , and 4 th , in the international overnight stays in European cities ranking . Thus, despite improving in both rankings, the position in the first one was still lower than in 2019.

Destination Barcelona also recovered positions in the ranking of cruise passengers in the Mediterranean , where it achieved the 2 nd position (in 2019 it had been in the first position), while in the ranking of passengers at Barcelona Airport , it was in the 11 th position , 1 below 2020 and 5 below 2019. 

Barcelona’s strength and resilience were once more made evident by the ICCA 2021 rankings, in which it claimed 4 th spot in meetings , and the 2 nd in delegates . In this regard, we should remember that Barcelona is the only global destination to have been in the top 5 for the past 20 years in the first ranking. Besides, historically, it has also ranked in the first position in the second ranking, occupying the first position in several occasions.

Culture and leisure

Cultural, natural, and leisure facilities also continued to be affected by capacity and mobility restrictions during the first half of the year. However, visitors to monitored cultural and leisure facilities recovered partially in all the categories analysed: in museums, interpretation centres, and collections, nearly 70% year-on-year, in exhibition centres and leisure sites, 60%, in architectural places of interest, 35%, and in wine tourism sites, they tripled. Users of non-common transports also tripled.

Overall, the Top 20 Destination venues recovered more than 5.5 million visitors (+71.2%), which was less than half of those recorded in 2019.

Pasajeros de cruceros según nacionalidad

En el Puerto de Barcelona , los italianos fueron los pasajeros de cruceros más frecuentes (31%), mientras que en 2019, fueron los estadounidenses. Los alemanes (19%) y los españoles (15%) ocuparon la segunda y la tercera posición del ranking en 2021. It should be reminded that cruise activity resumed in June 2021, after a year and three months of interruption.

In Barcelona Port , the Italian were the most frequent cruise passengers (31%), while in 2019, the American. The German (19%) and the Spanish (15%) ranked the second and the third position in 2021.

Reputación online

According to the iRONⓇ index, Barcelona region's online reputation remained at around 8 in all the areas analysed (accommodation, restaurants, and tourist attractions) and achieved an average of 8.27 out of 10 , an increase of 0.01 points compared to 2020 and 0.03 points compared to 2019.

More information: Report on Tourism Activity in Barcelona 2021

Related news.

Daily expenditure during the stay remained above €100 per person per day in Barcelona city in June

The latest tourism activity data in Destination Barcelona have been updated - June 2024 edition

Sea, water, festivals and traditions: the main attractions of Destination Barcelona in August

The Observatory of Tourism in Barcelona publishes the monthly update of the tourism forecast report

The plane, the most used means of transportation to reach both the city and the region

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

More From Forbes

Paris olympics see tourism boost—and mocked merchandise becomes cool.

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The Phryge, Paralympics mascot, at the Trocadero—tourists have picked up the merchandise in their ... [+] masses

As the closing ceremony of Paris' Olympics ended, France celebrated more than just fifth place on the global podium and a Games that has passed without any terrorism scares. The verdict across many pundits, tourists, and spectators is that the city of Paris has been the real winner, and the statistics are proving true—for the number of visitors, the economic boost to businesses, and even sales of the merchandise that was much derided but is now very cool.

Paris Olympics—Tourist Figures Are Up

While detractors argue that the economic cost of hosting the Games is not worth the results, it will take years to determine if the poorest districts in France that hosted many of the events over the past two weeks will see long-term prosperity.

Short-term figures are much easier to gauge, and the Bank of France announced Friday that it expects that the Games will boost the French economy by 0.25 points in the third quarter, some comfort to French businesses after the recent turmoil of the French and European elections.

This chimes with reports from the French Minister for Tourism, Olivia Gregoire, who predicts growth by 0.3 points, mostly from ticket and TV rights sales, and tourism. Reuters reports that the City of Lights has seen a 25% increase in people visiting the museums and spending money in restaurants and bars.

Les Echos also reports that the other host arenas outside of Paris—Marseille (for sailing and soccer) and Lille (basketball and handball)—have also seen a boost in tourism across hotel stays, restaurants, and businesses. Lille, for instance, sold 1.3 million tickets to its sporting events alone, and in the first week of the Games, it reported 70-80% occupancy rates, compared to 45% for the same dates in 2023.

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There were less marked impacts in places like Tahiti (for surfing), which is more difficult to travel to, and Nice (for soccer), where hotel occupancy rates at this time of year are always high.

These figures are supported by Visa, the official payment partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They report that 42% more Visa cardholders visited Paris in the first week of the Olympic Games than in the same period in 2023. Other cities hosting Olympic Games events also saw significant increases in visitors and spending, especially among fans who attended the competitions.

According to Visa's statistics, Lille recorded a 188% increase in visitors, Saint-Etienne 150% (for soccer), and Marseille 48%. As expected, 72% of Visa users were American, followed by those from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific. Interestingly, the most significant year-on-year increase in spending levels in Paris was seen in restaurants, where there was a 49% increase.

The Merchandise—Once Mocked—Becomes Cool

French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier exchange official ... [+] mascots in Berlin.

The stuffed red triangular mascots of the Olympics and Paralympics were hugely derided when they were launched two years before the Games began. They are based on the Phrygian cap, a symbol of the French Revolution.

What no one expected was how much tourists, visitors, and even a President would come to love the symbol for what the Games became in its final two weeks—some much-needed joy against a strained political backdrop.

The mascot was on a jet ski, then in an arena singing Celine Dion, then pretending to be Rocky at weightlifting—the fact that the person inside kept falling over in the costume only seemed to add to the charm. Even Snoop Dogg got in on the act. It appears that people bought the plush mascots in droves.

At the Champs-Elysées megastore, several thousand were sold to visitors each day, 30% of which were the Paralympic mascot when organizers had counted on half that much for the mascot with a blade on one leg. Many models sold out completely.

Its manufacturers, Doudou et Compagnie et Gipsy Toys, estimate they will sell 2.3 million by the end of the Games. Likewise, tourists and TV presenters snapped up 300,000 versions of the mascots as hats, swept away by the excitement.

It remains to be seen whether the same fervor and tourist enthusiasm will show up for the Paralympics, which will run in Paris from 28 August to 8 September.

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