Latest news with #BarcelonaCityCouncil
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
What Barcelona port terminal closures mean for cruise passengers
The number of cruise terminals at the Port of Barcelona are set to be reduced by the end of the decade in an effort to address concerns about overtourism in the city. Barcelona City Council and the Port of Barcelona have unveiled plans to reduce the number of passenger cruise terminals from seven to five. Under the plans, terminals A, B and C will be demolished as part of a €185m (£160m) project. A new terminal will be built on the site of terminal C that will have capacity for 7,000 passengers at any given time. The changes will reduce Barcelona's maximum cruise capacity from 37,000 passengers to 31,000 per day. This could alter how often ships visit Barcelona. The new terminal will prioritise cruise lines that start or end at the port, plus small vessels and those that stay overnight, according to the announcement. Work will begin at the end of next year and the new terminal will be complete by 2030. It won't affect terminals D and E, which are operated by Carnival Corporation, Terminal H, operated by MSC Cruises, or Terminal G, run by Royal Caribbean Group. There will be a €90m (£78m) expansion to the Porta d'Europa bridge that links the wharf with the city. More shuttle services, and crowd-monitoring information screens, have been proposed. Onshore power supplies will be installed to help ships reduce their engine emissions while in-port. A study has also been commissioned to see how cruise passengers move around the city as part of a new sustainable mobility plan. Barcelona is Europe's largest cruise port and, according to the proposal, has seen a 20 per cent increase in passengers since 2018. Of 12.8 million cruise passengers who visited Spanish ports last year, 3.7 million came to Barcelona. This has prompted protests about overtourism and overcrowding in the city. The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, said the growth cannot be infinite, adding: 'For the first time in history, a limit is being placed on the growth of cruises in the city. 'The current management of tourism involves setting limits and managing better.' Barcelona has been scaling back cruise operations since 2018, moving from the city centre to Adossat Wharf, before closing its North Terminal, located near La Rambla, in 2023. A statement from the port said: 'The agreement will reduce the number of cruise terminals at the Port of Barcelona and will roll out a series of projects to improve passenger mobility and make it more sustainable, moving forward in the responsible management of cruises and improving the coexistence between port activity and the city.' A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trade body, said: "While cruise visitors currently represent less than five per cent of total tourists to Barcelona, cruise tourism contributes more than €1bn (£867m) annually to the Catalan economy and supports over 9,000 jobs, according to the University of Barcelona. 'Ensuring the sector's continued contribution – while enhancing sustainability – requires a thoughtful, collaborative approach, and we welcome the opportunity for ongoing dialogue and partnership with the Port of Barcelona, the City Council, and regional authorities. 'By working together, we can ensure that cruise tourism continues to be a well-managed, economically valuable, and increasingly sustainable part of Barcelona's future. "Cruise tourism is managed tourism, with scheduled arrivals planned years in advance and supported by guided excursions, and coordinated transportation, allowing for better tourism management and oversight."
Forbes
4 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Officially Suspends Its Spotify Camp Nou Return
FC Barcelona announced that it has officially suspended its planned Spotify Camp Nou return on ... More August through an official statement sent to members of the press on Friday afternoon. FC Barcelona announced that it has officially suspended its planned Spotify Camp Nou return on August 10 through an official statement sent to members of the press on Friday afternoon. 'FC Barcelona informs that it has suspended the first return match at the Spotify Camp Nou, which coincided with the celebration of the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 10. This decision is due to the fact that the execution of the works to comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Ordinance of Municipal Intervention Procedures in Works, has made it unfeasible to carry out the necessary procedures for the granting of the first occupation license,' the statement began. Barca explained that due to the size of the work carried out on a renovation that first got underway in spring 2023, 'it has been impossible to meet all the requirements set out in the regulations governing the obtaining of the first occupancy license, despite the Club's desire to launch Spotify Camp Nou by sector'. 'The Club is working hand in hand with the Barcelona City Council and the organizations involved to be able to make progress on the different requirements and will communicate to FC Barcelona members any new information regarding the return date. This delay does not affect the payment schedule for the return of the Espai Barça debt,' it insisted, while concluding with a promise to provide more information about the Gamper soon. Barca first went out on a limb and announced that it would return to Camp Nou on August 10 as June drew to a close. In recent weeks, however, reports spread about the club failing to get the right permits in place to hold the Gamper match, which traditionally kicks off the season as the first team squad is introduced to matchgoing fans. Barca tried to get clearance for 60,000 punters to see the match which was last year played against AS Monaco and should this year see Como travel to Catalonia. When that failed, it went for a lower number of 30,000-32,000 spectators but once again that plan fell by the wayside. A couple of days ago, SPORT then reported that the club was 'close' to scrapping the plan and explained that a decision would be made on Friday, which has proven to be accurate. FC Barcelona will now try another date for its Camp Nou return The defending champions confirmed that the Gamper will now take place at the 6,000-holding Johan Cruyff stadium and FC Barcelona will now look at getting its house in order before Valencia visits Hansi Flick's men in La Liga for the first home game of the season on the weekend of September 13.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Barcelona's Spotify Camp Nou return thrown into doubt again
La Liga champions Barcelona's scheduled return to the Spotify Camp Nou has this week been thrown up in the air once more. That's according to RAC1, who have on Wednesday provided an insight into the situation. Advertisement The news which all of a Barcelona persuasion had been so eagerly awaiting was of course finally forthcoming last month. This came in the form of an announcement, confirming the club's planned return date to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The intention, it was revealed, was to play the annual Joan Gamper Trophy match at the ground on August 10th. As alluded to above, though, this week, as much has been thrown into serious doubt. As per a report from RAC1: 'Barcelona City Council considers it very unlikely that Barça can return to the Camp Nou on August 10 for the Gamper. 'It was surprising that the return campaign was launched without having the permits approved.' Conor Laird – GSFN
RTÉ News
28-06-2025
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Heatwave warning for tourist hotspots amid highs of 40C
Tourist hotspots around Europe are facing the first major heatwave of the summer with extreme temperature warnings in place in Spain, while Greece has seen highs in excess of 40C with authorities advising people to stay indoors. The Spanish weather agency AEMET has warned of extreme temperatures exceeding 40C across much of the country this weekend. In Madrid the usually busy streets are dotted with residents and tourists seeking relief from the heat, with a severe high temperature warning in place. Some on the streets were carrying portable fans, with others resting in the shade or under water sprinklers installed in public areas. For some residents, the heat has become a daily struggle. "Honestly, it's tough," says Marina, a 22-year-old marketing intern. "There's no sea here, barely any pools in Madrid. You sweat so much, it's just unpleasant." Janeth, a 47-year-old street vendor, described the heat as "exhausting" and says it forced her to change jobs. "My previous work was unbearable. I even felt dizzy from the heat" As the sun reflects off the city's buildings and umbrellas bloom across plazas, the early arrival of such extreme heat has taken many by surprise. "It always gets hot in Madrid," Marina added, "but for it to be this intense in June? That's shocking." Barcelona City Council meanwhile has activated a heat plan as a preventative measure until mid-September to make municipal resources and air-conditioned spaces available to citizens over the summer period. People in Greece advised to stay indoors Temperatures in Greece yesterday surpassed 40C with authorities advising the public to stay indoors. At the Acropolis in Athens scores of tourists endured the heat with the help of hats, fans and umbrellas while air-conditioned centres were made available to the public to find refuge until the evening. Authorities set up a hotline for anyone requiring medical advice due to the heat. They also advised residents not to throw out rubbish during peak heat hours in the middle of the day, to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and to restrict their movements. Authorities also banned outdoor work for builders and delivery staff from 9am to 2pm local time, and encouraged remote working. At the city's homeless animal shelter four-legged friends enjoyed dips in the dog pool to keep cool. The fire brigade said it was on standby and warned of a high risk of fires in central and southern Greece. On Thursday, a wildfire in a coastal town south of Athens damaged homes. Meteorologists said temperatures will start to dip on the weekend. Greece has often experienced hot and dry summers, but longer and more severe heatwaves have been more frequent in recent years along with wildfires amid a changing climate. In the UK, temperatures could hit 30C amid the second amber heat health alert in two weeks. Yesterday, temperatures reached 29C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and the weather is forecast to climb over the next couple of days, according to the Met Office. It comes as a second amber heat health alert in two weeks came into force yesterday. The alert, which covers London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England, will last until 6pm on Tuesday. Ireland meanwhile is not expected to experience such highs anytime soon. Cloudy, damp and humid conditions will linger this afternoon further south and east with highest temperatures of 17 to 22C expected.
RTÉ News
28-06-2025
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Europe faces first major heatwave of summer
Countries around Europe are facing the first major heatwave of the summer, with the Spanish weather agency AEMET warning of extreme temperatures exceeding 40C across much of the country this weekend. In Madrid the usually busy streets are dotted with residents and tourists seeking relief, some carrying portable fans, others resting in the shade or under water sprinklers installed in public areas. Swings hang empty in sun-scorched playgrounds, while vendors do brisk business selling cold drinks under the blazing sun. For residents, the heat has become a daily struggle. "Honestly, it's tough," says Marina, a 22-year-old marketing intern. "There's no sea here, barely any pools in Madrid. You sweat so much, it's just unpleasant." Janeth, a 47-year-old street vendor, describes the heat as "exhausting" and says it forced her to change jobs. "My previous work was unbearable. I even felt dizzy from the heat" As the sun reflects off the city's buildings and umbrellas bloom across plazas, the early arrival of such extreme heat has taken many by surprise. "It always gets hot in Madrid," Marina adds, "but for it to be this intense in June? That's shocking." Meanwhile, Barcelona City Council has activated in preventive phase, until 15 September, its Heat Plan and the Climate Shelter Network to make municipal resources and air-conditioned spaces available to citizens during this period. Included in this space are the children's play areas with water in public parks. People in Greece advised to stay indoors Temperatures in Greece yesterday surpassed 40C with authorities advising the public to stay indoors. At the Acropolis in Athens scores of tourists endured the heat with the help of hats, fans and umbrellas while air-conditioned centres were made available to the public to find refuge until the evening. Authorities set up a hotline for anyone requiring medical advice due to the heat. They also advised residents not to throw out rubbish during peak heat hours in the middle of the day, to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and to restrict their movements. Authorities also banned outdoor work for builders and delivery staff from 9am to 2pm local time, and encouraged remote working. At the city's homeless animal shelter four-legged friends enjoyed dips in the dog pool to keep cool. The fire brigade said it was on standby and warned of a high risk of fires in central and southern Greece. On Thursday, a wildfire in a coastal town south of Athens damaged homes. Meteorologists said temperatures will start to dip on the weekend. Greece has often experienced hot and dry summers, but longer and more severe heatwaves have been more frequent in recent years along with wildfires amid a changing climate. In the UK, temperatures could hit 30C amid the second amber heat health alert in two weeks. Yesterday, temperatures reached 29C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and the weather is forecast to climb over the next couple of days, according to the Met Office. It comes as a second amber heat health alert in two weeks came into force yesterday. The alert, which covers London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England, will last until 6pm on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Ireland is not expected to be affected by the heatwave. Cloudy, damp and humid conditions will linger this afternoon further south and east with highest temperatures of 17 to 22C expected.
