Barcelona is allocating €2.5 million from the Next Generation Funds to subsidise tourism innovation projects aimed at driving the transformation and digitalisation of the city of Barcelona

Applications for grants can be made starting in mid-July after the call is formally published.

The call for these grants will open in the second half of July and Is aimed at associations, foundations and business organisations related to the visitor economy. The objective is to transform and modernise the tourism sector through sustainability and digitalisation.

The City Council’s Government Commission has already approved the guidelines for the call for grants, aimed at non-profit entities including associations, foundations, business organisations, as well as confederations and federations involved in services related to the city’s visitor economy.

These grants, designed to boost transformation and digitalisation, are part of the Sustainable Tourism Destination Plan funded by the European Next Generation Funds. The call focuses on sectors such as accommodation, travel agencies, guides, tourist experiences, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism, transportation, commerce, restaurants, heritage and culture.

Three types of grants will be available

Applications for grants can be made starting in mid-July after the call is formally published. There will be three categories. The first, funded with €1 million, is for projects focusing on digitalising marketing, such as developing or integrating it into digital sales channels.

The second, also funded with €1 million, targets the creation of digital tools and assets to support the global positioning of Barcelona as a tourist destination, creating added value.

The third category, endowed with €500,000, is aimed at initiatives that leverage technology and sustainability to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of businesses in their operations aligned with the city’s activities.

The call aims to promote projects that decentralise tourism activities in geographical terms, highlight new content based on Barcelona’s unique values as a destination and promote the comprehensive digitalisation of tourism activities and promotion.