"Barcelona's New Manager: 'Not One Tourist More"'--NYT Interview

I gifted the article so those who are interested can read it.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/10/travel/barcelona-overtourism-jose-antonio-donaire.html?unlocked_article_code=1.xVA.Z4s7.OH4EG6W1n7MP&smid=url-share

Don't go to Barcelona is my feeling. There are plenty of other places to go to. If they don't want me, I can find a lot of other places to go to.

And they are going to limit cruise ships because cruise ship passengers don't spend enough.

There are smaller ports that welcome cruise ship passengers and are glad for the money that cruise ships bring in. Let's port at those ports.

Furthermore I do not want to be seen in dollars or euros. I want the locals to be glad to see me and want to introduce me to their culture and land. I want them to want to meet me.

Barcelona like many other places marketed itself and has been very successful in doing so. They have been so successful that now they want us not to come. Too many came.

And possibly, Barcelona is blaming its social problems on over tourism.

They should try a "Stay Away Campaign." And if successfull they can then see what happens if tourists stop coming.

Don't go to Barcelona is my feeling. There are plenty of other places to go to.

As a local of Barcelona I agree with this 100%, there are so many other places to go in Spain that are just as interesting and not as impacted by overtourism.

However the tourists who do make the most trouble for the city without much benefit are not the ones who are on this travel forum. If your reading this the New York times article in question is not about you.

I appreciate the post and the link. At least it's a first person citizen account. I will not begin to pretend that I have enough knowledge to be critical or to offer suggestions. They have a fairly healthy democracy and only they have the ability and right to prioritize their values, desires and economics. I wish them luck and if I should chose to visit, i will happily conform with what ever they decide.

The first step, in my opinion, is to get rid of AirB&B, Vrbo, etc. These platforms are taking residential Apartments or even houses, off the market for locals and are driving the costs up.

I read the article and don't feel like they are saying "don't come, tourists", but feel they are trying to make space for Barcelona citizens to be able to also enjoy their city. It sounds like a well thought out plan to me. I certainly agree there need to be fewer cruise ship day trippers. I remember a trip to St. Maarten years ago where I was talking to the owner of a jewelry shop and he told me not to come at certain times/certain days as the little village was packed with folks from the cruise ships. He also told me where to find the newspaper listing about what cruise ships were in port to help me plan my return visit. Don't misunderstand me, of course, cruise ships are just part of the problem.

Good article. I think the new commissioner seems to be thoughtful.

Barcelona is a great city. I can understand why everyone wants to see it and also why management of tourism is needed.

Happy travels

I also appreciated the first hand account of a multi-faceted challenge. Many cities in Europe are in the same boat and have tried to address the issue in various ways (day tourist tax in Venice, amping the hotel tax in Amsterdam, AirBNB restrictions in many places). I didn't get the take that Barcelona is trying to shovel blame on tourists but rather is having a conversation about how to support their communities in line with their values. An admirable self reflection, sure wish more places took a moment to do the same.