The Association of Cruise Lines (CLIA) has raised concerns over a potential boycott of popular Spanish harbors like Barcelona and Mallorca in response to escalating anti-tourism demonstrations and unfriendly encounters with visitors.
In locations such as Barcelona, protests have intensified, with tourists being doused with water and bombarded with debris by protesters brandishing signs reading “Tourists get out.”
Similarly, demonstrations have erupted in Mallorca, where angered locals have blockaded beaches. Spanish residents argue that the influx of tourists is inflating property prices, rendering city centers unaffordable.
They also contend that the imbalance between visitors and locals in smaller tourist spots like the Canary Islands is disrupting transportation and infrastructure, eroding the living standards.
Nonetheless, CLIA underscored that the conduct of protestors is tarnishing the image of Spain and other destinations, potentially altering cruise schedules.
CLIA’s European director, Marie Caroline Laurent, stated, “There is a rise in ‘Tourism-phobia’ not only in Spain but in France and other Mediterranean nations. Travelers are becoming more sensitive, and the incidents witnessed in places such as Barcelona are impacting the reputations of these locations.”
Despite the demonstrations, CLIA anticipates a 10% surge in cruise industry revenue over the coming half-decade. Yet, the changing landscape might favor destinations that offer a more hospitable environment.
Nations in the Middle East and Asia are actively investing in enhancing their cruise tourism sectors, extending warm welcomes to visitors. Saudi Arabia, for instance, is aiming to host 1.3 million passengers annually by 2025, after opening its ports to cruise ships in 2021.
The Middle Eastern country will inaugurate its maiden cruise service in December 2024.
Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is poised for an 89% expansion in cruise capacity in 2024, according to the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.
The report reveals that the region will witness a 40% upsurge in the number of operating ships, totaling nearly 90 ships, compared to 2023.
Initiatives to Restrict Passengers at Spanish Ports
In response to escalating tensions, various Spanish ports are enacting or contemplating new measures to restrict cruise ship access.
In Majorca, authorities are progressing plans to further curtail the docking of cruise ships. The Balearic Islands have imposed a daily cap of three ships in Palma, with local officials advocating for even stricter limitations.
In the Canary Islands, residents are calling for sustainable tourism solutions to address over-tourism. A protest in April saw approximately 57,000 people across all seven islands in attendance. Proposals include enforcing stricter regulations on cruise ship arrivals.
The mayor of Barcelona recently voiced support for restricting the number of cruise ships and passengers. The city council is exploring measures to manage the tourist influx, including potential daily caps on arrivals and exploring alternative docking sites to distribute the tourism impact more evenly.
Read Also: Cruise Ship Bans Face Scrutiny As Spain Rejects Restrictions
Despite local actions, national authorities in Spain have been hesitant to impose blanket bans on cruise ships, citing their substantial economic contributions. Similar discussions are playing out in Valencia, with some advocating for partial cruise ship bans while others emphasize their economic benefits.
In 2023, Spain saw around 4,500 cruise ship visits and welcomed over 12 million cruise passengers, marking a record high. The numbers are projected to increase as the 2024 season wraps up.
