This aid, announced by Deputy Mayor Raquel Gil during the follow-up meeting of the Political Table for the European Capital of Commerce, will be financed with resources from the Tourist Stay Tax. The objective is to generate economic return and promote commercial revitalization in the city.
Raquel Gil explained that the capital status should serve to highlight and internationally project Barcelona's commercial model, creating a legacy and boosting commercial activity growth. In addition to the extraordinary subsidy, other measures mentioned included the suspension of licenses for 24-hour supermarkets and the Bonus Consum campaign.
The Commissioner for Economic Promotion, Commerce, Catering, and Fashion Plan, Nadia Quevedo, highlighted the ongoing projects to strengthen commerce and its international projection, in collaboration with the sector and other administrations.
The European Capital of Local Commerce is a strategic project for Barcelona, seeking the involvement of the commercial fabric. Barcelona Comerç and Barcelona Oberta represent 43 commercial areas and will coordinate decentralized initiatives.
Barcelona's designation as the European Capital of Local Commerce underscores commerce's role as an economic and social driver. The sector comprises over 60,000 establishments, contributes 13.2% to the city's GDP, and generates employment for over 152,000 people.
The subsidy is part of the capital's program, structured around promotion, reflection, and legacy. Key actions include the Local Commerce Fair, enhancing the visibility of city commerce coinciding with the Tour de France, a communication campaign, and the Bonus Consum initiative.
Debate spaces such as the Barcelona Impulsa Conference and the creation of a new Local Commerce Observatory are also planned to collect data and strengthen public policies supporting local commerce.
