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Barcelona residents don’t like tourists. Since mid-October, cruise ships have no longer been allowed to dock in the port of the Spanish city.
To motivate the local population to be more hospitable again, the city has devised a new strategy. The “Pla Clima Escola Barcelona”, which translates as “Climate Plan for Barcelona Schools”, aims to kill two birds with one stone: climate change and the population’s aversion to guests from other countries.
In the future, 100 million euros, the equivalent of about 95 million francs, from the tourist tax will be invested in clean energy systems. The tax, paid by travelers on their hotel bills, will flow into a fund that will then finance heat pumps and solar energy systems for state schools.
The tourist tax is still 2.75 euros per night. From April this will increase to 3.25 euros per night. Previously, the money was intended for cleaning services, security and public transport. “This year we decided to go one step further and use the tax to finance public services from the perspective of climate protection,” Jordi Valls, head of economic and tourism development in Barcelona, explained to Bloomberg.
Global warming is making Barcelona increasingly difficult. High temperatures and increasingly long heat waves are also putting pressure on Barcelona’s schoolchildren. The city has now set itself a goal of installing solar-powered air conditioning systems in 170 schools by 2029. 181,000 square meters of solar cells will be installed on the roofs of the schools. It is believed that the new systems will generate more electricity than the schools will use. Neighbors and other public buildings nearby can also benefit from this.
No city advertising necessary
In addition, environmentally friendly heat pumps should replace old gas boilers. “The school project significantly improves education as a public service and at the same time reduces CO2 emissions,” Valls emphasizes.
Not everyone agrees with the plan. Janet Sanz, member of the city council and vice-president for climate protection in the Barcelona metropolitan region, thinks the money would be better spent on new cycle paths and expanding green spaces. And: A significant part of tourist money still flows into city advertising at tourist fairs and events.
“There is no need to advertise such a famous city,” Sanz is convinced. Everyone wanted to feel the “Barcelona experience”.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona’s 1.6 million residents will become more hospitable again if their children attend schools adapted to climate change. The hope in promoting tourism is to become a role model for other European cities that are also facing challenges from climate change and the tourism boom. (no)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
