The decision by the Barcelona City Council to end the 10,000 tourist use housing (HUT) licenses by November 2028 has drawn criticism from affected sectors. A primary concern is the loss of jobs, both direct and indirect, in areas such as cleaning and laundry services.
The platform Treballadors pel Lloguer Turístic estimates that the measure could put up to 40,000 jobs at risk. Its president, Guillem Laporta, points out that a very high percentage of laundry companies' revenue comes from cleaning sheets for tourist flats, and accuses the council of promoting "the largest layoff in Barcelona's history".
Conversely, a study by the Barcelona Institute of Economics (IEB) predicts a reduction in Social Security affiliations of between 0.35% and 1.35%, estimating job losses between 4,200 and 16,200. To address this situation, Barcelona Activa is preparing a program to help affected workers find alternative employment. The Deputy Mayor for Economy, Jordi Valls, has assured that "we will not make a decision and abandon the people working in this sector," while reiterating that the priority is for housing to be for "people who live in them".
This special support program will be launched in the last quarter of 2027 and will extend until at least the end of 2029. It will offer training, career guidance, and support for job placement or business creation. Prior to implementing actions, a complementary study will be conducted to better understand the profiles of those affected.
Regarding the economic impact, the IEB estimates an effect on GDP of 36 million euros annually (0.04%), a figure the municipal government considers "practically imperceptible". However, the restaurant sector expresses concern. The director of the Gremi de Restauració de Barcelona, Roger Pallarols, warns that a decrease in visitors will affect bars and restaurants, and calls for a period of reflection on the necessity of foregoing this volume of tourists.
Jordi Valls acknowledges the significance of the tourism sector, which accounts for 12.8% of GDP and generates 165,000 jobs, but advocates for economic diversification. "The economic strategy of this city is to grow with other sectors that bring more added value and opportunities," he stated, citing as examples the arrival of AstraZeneca and the expansion of the DFactory, promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca.
