Here’s How Barcelona Will Change After Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has made an impact on Barcelona’s tourism industry as lockdown restrictions have kept visitors from entering the city. According to data, Barcelona welcomes almost 30 million tourists on an average year. But for the first time in decades, the city is experiencing a significant drop in its number of visitors since strict social distancing measures were implemented earlier this year. In fact, in September, it was estimated that international tourism was down by 77 percent. Thankfully, some of the best places and tourist attractions in Barcelona have remained open to visitors, despite the economic fallout brought about by the virus. To cope with the current health crisis, some much-needed changes are already starting to take place to ensure that proper health protocols are being followed without taking the fun out of visitors’ holiday experience. Here’s how Barcelona will change after Covid-19.
Hygiene and Health in Hotels and Restaurants
Keeping a business afloat during the pandemic can be a challenge, and many companies are rethinking their business and finance strategies in order to survive. Some establishments in Barcelona have either temporarily shuttered their doors or have gone online for the meantime, but some hotels, restaurants and bars in the city are choosing to stay open, and are abiding by health protocols to keep their staff and customers safe. Wearing masks in public spaces has become mandatory for locals and tourists above six years old, and anyone who doesn’t comply will have to pay a 100 euro fine. Moreover, hotels and other lodgings in Barcelona have become Covid-ready: they’ve begun to use special disinfecting carpets at main entrances, and are cleaning on a daily basis using germ-fighting products. Some establishments are even distributing Covid-19 kits to guests upon arrival, which include disposable masks, hand sanitizer and gloves.
No More Overcrowding in Beaches
Those who frequent Barcelona know that the city’s most popular beaches, such as Nova Bar Mella and Nova Icaria, are always packed full of tourists, especially from June to September. Back in July, police shut down these beaches as they’d reached full capacity and people were flouting social distancing rules. To prevent this from happening again and to keep the beaches open to visitors, Calvia council is planning to launch an app for finding beaches that aren’t too full.
More Emphasis on Family-Friendly Tourism
Barcelona is known to be a premiere party destination, and most people come to the city to experience the wild side of Spain, which involves booze cruises and a thriving nightlife scene. However, the party tourism model is about to change, and it is expected that Barcelona will focus more on family-friendly travel that calls for the development and promotion of child-friendly, open spaces in the city. Activities that also enable tourists to enjoy nature, such as camping and hiking, are likely to be more popular in Barcelona in the coming years, as current tourism trends lean towards nature and health and wellness travel.
Barcelona is expected to slightly alter its tried-and-tested tourism model in order to cope with Covid-19. Though some things may change, the city will remain as one of the world’s favorite places for culture, sports and recreation, and will continue to adapt during the health crisis.