How much business will the Pope bring to Barcelona?
Experts believe that it's pouring on the wet in a context of highs for tourism
BarcelonaPope Leo XIV's visit to Barcelona will be a major event – with massive gatherings and significant media attention – which will add to the influx of visitors who usually fill the city in early summer. However, what will be the economic impact for the city?
president of the Sagrada Familia Construction Board Foundation, Esteve Camps,However, those involved in the organization emphasize the long-term repercussions the Pope's visit may have. The president of the Sagrada Família Construction Board Foundation, Esteve Camps, predicts it will be "much greater, unpredictable" than that of Benedict XVI's visit. At that time, it caused a 48% increase in visitors to the temple.
At the national level, ObservaTUR – a private observatory of tourist activity – estimates that it will generate between 90 and 125 million euros. The Community of Madrid has projected the same range for just the three and a half days he will be in the region. Based on this data, the founding partner of the entity, Marcos Franco, argues that the impact will be "very significant," considering that the visit will cost 25 million euros.
The last papal visit to Barcelona, in 2010, generated 30 million euros for the city. For context, last year the Mobile World Congress (MWC) left 561 million in the Catalan capital and Primavera Sound, 339.5 million.
Hospitality and catering
The hotel companies consulted by ARA contextualize the arrival of faithful driven by the Pope's visit in an economic environment of peaks for tourism. Sercotel registered "significant growth" in occupancy already in January, compared to the same period last year.
Despite the boom in activity throughout the year, this company, which has an establishment near the Sagrada Família, has observed a "clear and measurable impact on demand and hotel rates", which have increased between 20% and 30%, to exceed 400 euros. Eurostars has also observed a "positive evolution" compared to last summer. However, prices "have not increased specifically due to the [Pope's] visit, as it is a week that traditionally registers high demand in the city".
Similarly, Catalonia Boulevard will reach full occupancy on the day of Leo XIV's visit, "a fact that is not so exceptional" because "June is super high season", explains the general director, Lourdes Grau. She is cautious when establishing a causal relationship because, precisely during these days, congresses, cultural activities such as Primavera Sound, and sporting events such as Formula 1 coincide in the city.