Culture, Education, Science and Community

Blue tourism includes all those interested in water and the sea, as well as boating activities.

According to the report presented, one in every two tourists visiting the Catalan capital is drawn by the sea.

The sea and beaches are among the major attractions of the city of Barcelona, and the vast majority of tourists come specifically to enjoy days by the sea. According to the monographic report presented by the Tourism Observatory in Barcelona, one in every two tourists visiting the Catalan capital is drawn by the sea. This study analyses the profile and habits of tourists who visited Barcelona in 2023.

Blue tourism in the Catalan capital

Blue tourism includes all those interested in water and the sea, as well as boating activities. From this report, it is evident that in the case of Barcelona, there are four distinct profiles of “blue” tourists.

The most plentiful profile of blue tourists is the leisurely beachgoer, who enjoys the sun on the beach and visits beach bars. The active beach blue tourist engages in sports or activities on the beach, such as beach volleyball or football.

There is also the waterfront blue tourist who participates in activities along the water, such as paddling or walking along the shoreline. Lastly, there is the deep-water blue tourist, who embodies the maritime profile par excellence. They engage in water-based or nautical activities, such as open water swimming or paddleboarding.