Spain

Connecting Cruises and Communities

Tourism is a vital part of life across Spain’s coastal cities. We see how cruise visitors support the energy of our neighbourhoods — spending at small shops, joining tours, and returning year after year. Cruise tourism plays a meaningful role in this vibrancy, supporting thousands of jobs, connecting visitors with small businesses, and helping our communities share what makes them unique. With thoughtful planning and a shared commitment to sustainability, cruise tourism can continue to benefit families, preserve our shared spaces, and respect the character of the places we call home.

Support Cruise Tourism in Spain

Boost Local Business

From family-owned restaurants to independent tour operators, cruise visitors bring reliable income to Barcelona and other cities before, during, and after their holidays. Their visit helps small businesses, creates jobs, and reinforces our standing as one of the world’s most welcoming and exciting nations.

Preserve our home

Spain’s coastal communities are known for their scenic promenades, public squares, and historic neighbourhoods. These shared spaces are central to both everyday life and the visitor experience. Through partnerships between residents and cruise tourism leaders, communities are working together to promote respectful visitor behaviour, protect public areas, preserve the environment, and celebrate the culture that draws in people from around the world.

manage visits smarter

Many cruise visitors take the time to explore and enjoy different corners of Spain before or after their holidays, creating opportunities for deeper connections with local businesses and cultural experiences. With thoughtful planning and community involvement, cruise tourism can continue to add value to daily life in cities like Barcelona, supporting jobs, strengthening local services and helping communities share what makes us special.

Speak Up With Confidence

Cruise tourism succeeds when local voices are part of the conversation. By highlighting how cruise visitors support businesses, cultural institutions, and seasonal jobs, we can help more people understand its positive role in diverse communities both large and small. By sharing data, stories, and lived experience, we help ensure cruise tourism is seen for what it is: a force for good.

Did You Know?

In 2023, cruise tourism generated €6.4 billion in total economic output across Spain and supported nearly 49,000 jobs.

Barcelona alone welcomed nearly 3.6 million cruise passengers in 2023, helping keep local shops, restaurants, and tour companies thriving throughout the year.

Cruise visitors spend significantly on local services, boosting income for transportation, food and beverage, entertainment, and retail sectors.

Community Voices and Ambassadors

Spain has always been a country of connections—across cultures and generations. That spirit continues today in the stories of residents in places like Barcelona who work in, depend on, or advocate for smart cruise tourism. Whether you are helping visitors discover our history, serving meals to travelers, or organising beach clean-ups, your voice matters. Share your story and help others understand how cruise tourism impacts your everyday life.

Whether you are a business owner, a worker in the tourism industry or an advocate living in a port city, submit your story below:

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