Barcelona, Spain, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its innovative and inclusive approach to managing urban tourism. Faced with the challenges of overtourism—such as resident displacement and rising living costs—the city began implementing a series of strategic measures in 2015. These include the establishment of the City and Tourism Council, which integrates voices from residents, businesses, and civil society into tourism planning, and the creation of the Barcelona Tourism Observatory, which provides data-driven insights for sustainable decision-making.

To address housing pressures, the city introduced the Special Plan for Tourist Accommodation (PEUAT), which regulates short-term rentals and limits new tourist accommodations. The city also increased the tourist tax to fund essential public services and imposed restrictions on cruise ships and certain tourist activities to reduce congestion. Digital tools like the Check Barcelona and Smou apps help manage visitor flows and mobility in real time.

These efforts have led to increased use of public transport by tourists, higher resident satisfaction, and a shift in the tourism sector’s mindset - from purely economic to socially responsible. The success of Barcelona’s model lies in its strong political leadership, stakeholder cooperation, and commitment to long-term, inclusive planning.

Barcelona’s experience demonstrates the importance of integrating governance, regulation, and community engagement in tourism management. It highlights how cities can preserve quality of life and social equity while maintaining tourism’s economic benefits, serving as a replicable model for sustainable urban tourism across Europe.

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.

#Destination management #Sustainable tourism #Community engagement #Innovation in tourism #Sustainable tourism planning #Mobility #Carbon footprint reduction #Public transportation #Responsible travel  #Stakeholder engagement #Tourism development