Barcelona, Mar 26:
Tourists arriving at Barcelona’s airport or gazing at its iconic Sagrada Familia basilica will this Easter
holiday be met with large signs in English that read: “Drought alert. During your stay, save water”.
As the impact of climate change intensifies across southern Europe, Spain’s Mediterranean region of
Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, is enduring its worst drought on record.
Reservoir levels are only around 15% of their capacity, prompting curbs on water use by residents,
visitors, agriculture and industry. Beach showers are shut and swimming pools cannot be filled with tap
water, among other restrictions.
Catalan officials have appealed for tourists to act responsibly, but are also adamant the drought should
not put them off coming to the Spanish city and region most-visited by foreigners, where tourism
accounts for 14.5% of the local economy.
“The message from Catalonia’s tourism agency and business department to campsites and hotels is one
of calm: (People) can enjoy their holidays here as usual,” said David Mascort, the regional government’s
environmental chief.
