‘It’s about money’: doubt over America’s Cup benefits in tourist hotspot Barcelona

Authorities say event will bring in €1bn but local people fear little will remain in city on frontline of overtourism

 Emirates Team New Zealand competes against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team during the America's Cup Race 4 on Auckland Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand in 2021. Picture: Getty Images

According to its supporters, the America’s Cup, which weighed anchor last week in Barcelona, will bring in €1bn, create 19,000 jobs and, by the time the last sail is furled on October 20, have attracted an extra 2.5 million visitors to the city.

The ultimate sporting competition for the super-rich marks the latest attempt by the Spanish city to attract “quality rather than quantity” tourism.