A new survey reveals 84% of business tourists advocate for Barcelona to continue offering tourist flats, directly challenging the city council’s controversial plan to eliminate all such accommodation by 2028. The findings, presented by the association Apartur, highlight significant opposition to the proposed ban from a crucial segment of the city’s visitor economy.

The survey, conducted by consultancy GAD3 during the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC), interviewed over 650 delegates. It found 59% of congress attendees favour proportional regulation of tourist flats, aligning with European Commission suggestions. Additionally, 25% believe tourist flats should coexist freely with hotels in the Catalan capital. Only 3% supported their complete suppression.

Apartur, representing tourist flat management companies and owners, argues that Barcelona lacks sufficient accommodation capacity without these properties. Marián Muro, Director of Apartur, stated, “Without tourist flats, Barcelona would face a deficit of more than 52,000 beds to host all attendees.” This calculation accounts for holiday travellers simultaneously staying in the city.

Impact on Major Events and Jobs

Barcelona currently offers 152,320 tourist beds. Nearly 40% of these, amounting to 58,124 beds across approximately 10,000 legal tourist flats, would disappear under the city council’s plan. Major events like the MWC require up to 146,000 beds on peak days. Apartur estimates the eradication of tourist flats would also result in the loss of around 40,000 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors.

Business Tourist Preferences

The survey indicated that 24% of business visitors at the last MWC chose tourist flats, reporting an 80% satisfaction rate with their accommodation. This preference is particularly strong among professionals such as journalists, exhibitors, and technicians. High-level executives also frequently opt for this choice, with 21% selecting tourist flats. The trend suggests sustained growth for this accommodation type. Barcelona holds the fourth position in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking, hosting over 2,000 congresses and 734,000 delegates, 85% of whom were international, in 2024.

Enrique Alcántara, President of Apartur, emphasised the importance of these properties. He stated, “Tourist flats are already a structural piece in Barcelona’s accommodation offer linked to business tourism.” He added, “Any change in their availability would have a direct impact on the planning of event attendance by international professionals.” Future predictions show 53% of respondents would likely stay in tourist flats for upcoming congress editions. This figure rises to 82% among those who used them in March or previous editions, and 55% among foreign respondents.

City Council’s Stance and Industry Response

Mayor Jaume Collboni announced the city’s intention to eliminate all tourist housing by 2028 in 2024. This decision sparked a strong defence from Apartur, which has pursued both judicial and public awareness campaigns. During the MWC, Apartur launched a campaign asking, “Are you coming to Barcelona for a congress? Prepare to sleep in a ‘stand’.” This initiative reached 767,000 people and generated 2.73 million impacts.

However, John Hoffman, CEO and Director of GSMA, the MWC organiser, dismissed concerns about the city council’s plans in March. He stated, “We are not worried at all.” Hoffman added, “Twenty years ago, things like Airbnb didn’t even exist and we used other options, like university accommodation. We will be creative.”

Apartur is pursuing legal avenues, including a potential ruling from the European Union Court of Justice. The association believes eliminating tourist flats violates the European Services Directive. They seek international support against what they consider a disproportionate prohibition. Marián Muro reiterated, “One cannot eliminate an economic sector, it would be discriminatory.” She also highlighted that “the elimination of tourist apartments would not mean they enter the housing market.” The ongoing legal battle and public debate will continue to shape the future of tourist accommodation in Barcelona.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.