The removal of tourist apartments in Barcelona could lead to a loss of 1.9% of the city’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to 1.9 billion euros. This decision could also put over 40,000 jobs at risk, according to a report by PwC on the economic contribution of the sector, titled “Impact of the Elimination of Tourist Housing in Barcelona.”
The report was presented by Anna Merino, partner at PwC Strategic Economics, during an event organized by the Association of Tourist Apartments in Barcelona (Apartur). The event was held at the College of Economists of Catalonia.
A Significant Contribution to the Local Economy
According to Merino, tourist apartments account for 38% of tourist accommodations in Barcelona. This sector plays a key role in other industries, such as hospitality, retail, and culture. Visitors staying in these apartments are estimated to spend 2.063 billion euros annually. Furthermore, the tourist tax for these apartments generated 58 million euros in revenue in 2023.
Merino emphasized that there is no direct correlation between tourist apartments and rising rental prices in Barcelona. Over the past decade, rental prices have risen by 72%, while the number of tourist apartments increased by just 2.2%. She added that the lack of affordable housing is primarily due to insufficient supply and the absence of public housing promotion policies.
Implications for the City
The impact of eliminating tourist apartments extends beyond economic losses. According to the report, industries like hospitality could lose 331 million euros annually. Roger Pallarols, director of Barcelona’s Hospitality Guild, warned that this policy could undermine the city’s success as a tourist destination.
During a panel discussion, Apartur President Enrique Alcántara highlighted that tourist apartments represent only 1% of the total housing stock in Barcelona. He pointed out that despite closing 8,000 illegal tourist apartments in recent years, rental prices have continued to rise: “The city has gained nothing.”
Concerns Over Tourist Events
Experts are also concerned that Barcelona may struggle to accommodate visitors for major events such as the Sónar Festival or the Mobile World Congress without sufficient tourist housing. Urban economy specialist Luis Falcón stated: “When you ban something that’s in demand, you create illegality because the demand remains.”
Additionally, Jordi Martí, president of Acave, warned that reducing the supply of tourist accommodations would drive up prices. Gabriel Jené, president of Barcelona Oberta, urged the government to take more responsibility in creating public housing: “It cannot all fall on the private sector.”
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Tourism and Families
Ángel Díaz, president of Advanced Leisure Services, noted that tourist apartments play a crucial role in accommodating families who visit iconic sites in Barcelona, such as the Wax Museum and the Gaudí Crypt. He stressed that tourist housing is vital for this type of tourism.
Conclusion
The removal of tourist apartments in Barcelona would have a significant impact on the local economy and the tourism sector. The debate over this measure raises questions about the city’s future as an international destination and underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both the needs of locals and the economic benefits of tourism.
See also:
Eliminating Tourist Apartments Threatens 1.9% of Barcelona’s GDP, Says PwC
