Barcelona is a premier tourist destination and this phenomenon
creates tensions between two variables: everyone is aware of the
benefits that tourism generates on many levels, but we should not
lose sight of those who live and work here and do not want to feel
like foreigners in their own City. This is what is at the forefront
of the debate on the "tourism model" that Barcelona
needs.
The new municipal team has imposed what is known as a tourist
accommodation moratorium with effect from 2 July. To be precise,
the Governing Council Commission has agreed to suspend the
processing of urban planning and land management projects, as well
as licencing or communications prior to opening, the installation
or extension of activities aimed at tourist accommodations in all
their various forms (hotels, aparthotels, guesthouses, pensions,
hostels and homes for tourist use), and student housing and youth
hostels.
