Bid to curb effect of attack on economy

Fully immersed in the process of trying to return to normality, Barcelona is already beginning to ask out loud what impact the attack on the Rambla will have on such a sensitive sector as tourism, which it is worth remembering represents up to 15% of local GDP.

The first answer to the question is to try to spread a message of calm and unified action, which is why Mayor Ada Colau yesterday met representatives of the city’s main economic agents. Among many others, Barcelona Tourism, the Hotels Guild and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce participated in a summit where the overriding message was one of positivity and unity. The differences and controversies that have often marked relations between the municipal government and the tourism sector have been set to one side under the challenging circumstances. “We wish to transmit a message of confidence, as a city that is united and reaffirms its values of being open to the world and wants to be visited,” remarked Colau at the beginning of the summit.

From information provided at the meeting itself, it is apparent that, for now at least, the attack has not significantly impacted on tourist accommodation or restaurants. “There have been a small number of cancellations,” said the mayor, while acknowledging this diagnosis was more “a perception” than a categorical conclusion based on numbers, since all the parties said “it is still early” to have reliable data.

The conclusion, then, is that tourists who are already in Barcelona or have made a booking have not changed or will not change their plans. The big question, however, is whether the attack will have more of a long-term effect and end up causing a decrease in the number of foreign visitors.