Barcelona Implements New Ciutat Vella Usage Plan to Combat Overtourism and Prioritize Culture
Barcelona, May 15, 2026 – Barcelona’s City Council, led by Mayor Jaume Collboni, today presented a new Ciutat Vella Usage Plan designed to combat mass tourism and prioritize cultural activities within the Catalan capital’s historic district. The announcement was made this Friday, May 15, 2026, and marks a significant step in the city’s efforts to balance tourism with the quality of life for its residents.
The new plan, developed in collaboration with Junts, aims to update the existing regulations, which have been in place since 2018. This revision comes amidst growing criticism from other political groups, such as ERC and Barcelona en Comú, regarding the city’s approach to managing tourism.
Key Measures and Objectives of the New Plan
During a press conference, Albert Batlle, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Ciutat Vella, along with David Martínez, Head of Urban Planning, Fèlix Ortega, Ciutat Vella Manager, and Ivan Pera, Commissioner for the Ciutat Vella Pact, outlined the core elements of the new plan. Batlle stated that the updated regulations will significantly increase the number of regulated activities from 55 to 180. The primary objective is to strengthen restrictions on non-daily, non-food commercial establishments.
Specifically, the plan intends to “condition the opening of new nail and pedicure salons and mobile phone case shops,” as well as control the sale of cannabis-related products. Batlle emphasized that the plan is “continuous, but with a more agile, precise, and surgical regulatory model. We are closely monitoring activities with the most negative impact on coexistence with residents and public spaces.”
The councillor also highlighted that the new regulation will prioritize cultural and musical uses. However, he clarified that it will “under no circumstances” permit the unrestricted opening of nightclubs, dispelling earlier speculations.
Cultural Activities and Regulatory Criteria
David Martínez elaborated on the new criteria for various activities. Cultural activities with low impact will not face restrictions, as they are deemed to have “capacity for growth.” However, cultural activities that include musical entertainment will be subject to regulation. Fèlix Ortega added that the new Usage Plan will primarily govern the establishment of new businesses, acknowledging the complexity of regulating existing ones.
Political Support and Opposition
Shortly after the announcement, Damià Calvet, a Junts councillor, confirmed his party’s support for the municipal proposal. The plan is scheduled for a vote in the Urban Planning Commission next Tuesday and will be submitted for final approval in the plenary session later this month. Calvet asserted that the new plan enjoys “broad social and political majority” and will enhance coexistence and neighborhood life. He also highlighted that the plan significantly increases the capacity for inspection, sanction, and closure of non-compliant activities.
Conversely, opposition municipal groups have criticized the new Ciutat Vella Usage Plan. ERC accused Collboni’s proposal of treating Barcelona “as a product available to those who want to do business at the city’s expense.” In a statement, the republicans lamented that “when Junts allies with Collboni, the sale of Barcelona increases,” whereas when they ally with ERC, tourism is managed responsibly. Barcelona en Comú, through Councillor Jordi Rabassa, accused the mayor of reviving “sociovergencia” by relying on Junts to modify the plan.
Impact on Existing Businesses and Future Prospects
Upon final approval in the plenary, suspensions in effect since July 2024 concerning nail and pedicure salons, cannabis product sales, and mobile phone case shops will be lifted, and the new regulations will apply to them. This move is expected to bring greater clarity and control over commercial proliferation in Ciutat Vella.
The City Council’s initiative reflects a broader trend among major European cities to address the challenges posed by overtourism and to safeguard the cultural and social fabric of their historic centers. The success of this plan will depend on its effective implementation and the ability of the city authorities to balance economic interests with the well-being of its residents.
Source: https://www.larazon.es/cataluna/barcelona-tendra-nuevo-plan-usos-ciutat-vella-turistificacion_202605156a071e48716e9c571470a8e1.html?outputType=amp
