World-famous destination closes marina to keep out tourists

Europe's largest cruise port is to close two piers, part of efforts to tackle the city's overcrowding problem.

The closures, which will reduce the number of operating docks to five when they come into effect next year, are part of an agreement with the city council of Barcelona, Spain, announced in a statement from the council last Friday.

In 2024, the port of Barcelona, Europe's largest cruise port, welcomed 1.6 million "transit" cruise ship passengers.

Most disembark when the ship docks in the morning, tour the city and return in the late afternoon to continue their journey, according to the press office of the Barcelona Tourism Association.

A cruise ship at the port of Barcelona

PHOTO: GETTY

Crowding in places like La Rambla and the adjacent Gothic Quarter, the city's oldest area, has been partly responsible for Barcelona residents' anger at tourists. Last July, for example, there were repeated protests in which tourists were sprayed with water.

Barcelona's popularity with tourists has led to complaints from residents about overcrowding and a lack of affordable housing due to apartments being used as short-term holiday homes.

Last week's deal included a range of issues, including funding for a study to assess how cruise ship passengers move around the city, which the council said was the first step in developing a sustainable mobility plan.

In addition, the agreement will help modernise port infrastructure to promote more sustainable cruise operations – for example, by allowing ships to connect to green power sources onshore when they are at anchor, meaning they can switch off their engines, helping to reduce emissions.

Overall, the plan will mobilize $216 million in public-private investment, the council said.

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe with around 32 million visitors each year, both overnight guests and day trippers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/diem-den-noi-tieng-the-gioi-dong-ben-du-thuyen-de-ngan-du-khach-185250723111142557.htm