The 37th America’s Cup, held in Barcelona, saw Emirates Team New Zealand claim their third consecutive victory, defeating Ineos Britannia 7-2. While the triumph belonged to the Kiwis, the host city also enjoyed its share of success, as Barcelona’s city council proudly announced that the event had “exceeded expectations.”
Jordi Valls, Barcelona’s councilor for the economy, shared that the main goals for the city—international recognition, reconnection with the Mediterranean, and fostering sustainable business—were all achieved. Speaking with Catalan broadcaster TV3, Valls highlighted the significance of the event, which drew 2.5 million spectators to Barcelona. In early October, just before the final races, the city had already recorded 1.6 million visitors.
While the council is still awaiting final economic impact figures, initially estimated to exceed €1.2 billion, Valls emphasized the overall success. “The outcome is extraordinarily positive,” he said, adding that the event had been well-received, despite differing opinions from locals in the Barceloneta neighborhood.
As Emirates Team New Zealand prepares to select the next host city for the 38th edition, Barcelona’s local government has left the door open to hosting the prestigious sailing competition once more. Valls mentioned the need for careful reflection and discussions with the event organizers. “A general review is required to see if we have enough reasons to host the 2026 edition,” Valls stated.
The councilor pointed to key factors that made the 2024 America’s Cup a success for Barcelona, such as 80% hotel occupancy during the event and the use of existing infrastructure, avoiding new construction or significant debt. Despite some added costs for security and cleaning, Valls concluded, “America’s Cup has been extraordinarily positive for Barcelona.”
