The new president of Amics de la Rambla de Barcelona
Pau Bosch, the new president of Amics de la Rambla de Barcelona, has announced an innovative initiative to manage tourism in the city. The association has launched the Rambla Observatory, a project that uses technology to study the flow of tourists on the promenade. Through the installation of seven antennas at different strategic points, the Rambla Observatory collects real-time data on the flows and influx of people. This information is essential to understand the behavior of tourists and make decisions to better manage tourism in Barcelona.
A measure to change the urban tourism of the Rambla
The Rambla Observatory is part of a wider plan to change urban tourism on the Rambla. This plan, financed with part of the municipal tourist tax and in collaboration with the company GetYourGuide, aims to improve the experience of visitors and preserve the identity of the promenade. With the help of the data collected by the Rambla Observatory, it will be possible to identify the moments of overcrowding and take measures to manage it efficiently.
Preliminary results and knowledge of tourists’ behaviors
The first results of the Rambla Observatory show that the influx of people who pass through the Rambla is much higher than the people who spend the night there. This means that the measures to regulate overnight stays do not have a significant impact on the influx of tourists to the promenade. This information is important to dismantle some of the myths and stereotypes that exist about tourism in Barcelona. The study of the flows of tourists will allow to have a more precise knowledge of the behavior of the visitors and to make decisions based on real data.
A tool to avoid tourismophobia for free
Pau Bosch has also highlighted the importance of the Rambla Observatory to avoid free tourism phobia. According to him, it is important to curb demagoguery and use objective data to address the challenges of tourism. The Rambla Observatory provides accurate and up-to-date information on tourist flows, which can contribute to a better understanding and management of tourism in Barcelona. This is essential to preserve coexistence between residents and visitors and ensure a positive experience for all.
Dignify the Rambla and improve the commercial offer
In addition to the Rambla Observatory, Pau Bosch has other plans to dignify the Rambla. One of his priorities is to improve the commercial offer on the promenade. To achieve this, new ‘souvenirs’ have been created with a retro design in collaboration with the Elisava and Massana design schools. These ‘souvenirs’ are a way of promoting local products and attracting both residents and visitors to the shops on La Rambla. This will contribute to revitalizing the commercial offer and preserving the identity of the promenade.
Reform of the promenade and the Rambla del Mar
Pau Bosch has also expressed his opinion on the reform of the promenade. While acknowledging that the first phase of the reform has had some problems, he is confident that the second phase will improve. In addition, he has proposed the creation of the ‘Rambla del mar’, an extension of the promenade to the Clock Tower and to Sant Sebastià beach. This would allow visitors to reach the beach directly without having to go up again to Plaça Catalunya. He has also called for the repair of emblematic buildings such as the Columbus statues and other buildings to revitalize these areas.
Challenges and proposals to improve the Rambla
Pau Bosch highlighted some of the challenges facing La Rambla, such as homelessness, drug trafficking and the illegal sale of drinks on the street. To address these problems, he defends prevention as a key tool and criticizes the Endreça Plan promoted by Collboni for not addressing incivility effectively. He has also urged the City Council to take measures to improve safety and coexistence on La Rambla. In short, Pau Bosch has a clear vision and a set of proposals to manage tourism in Barcelona and dignify the Rambla in all its aspects.
