Economics trips to Barcelona

The day begins with a boat tour of the Port of Barcelona, one of the most important logistics and trade hubs in Southern Europe. A local expert will guide students through the commercial port area, explaining how international shipping, cruise tourism, and freight logistics contribute significantly to the regional economy. Students will gain first-hand insight into how ports operate as economic ecosystems—supporting jobs, driving exports and imports, and attracting foreign investment. The tour also explores Barcelona’s strategic position in global supply chains and its efforts toward sustainable port development.

After lunch, the group will travel to a renowned cava-producing region just outside Barcelona for a guided tour of a historic winery. Here, students will explore how traditional industries balance heritage with innovation, examining production processes, branding strategies, and export models that reflect broader themes of regional development and global market integration.

Through both visits, students deepen their understanding of economic diversification, international trade, and the role of tourism, sustainability, and branding in shaping regional economies across different sectors.

The morning begins with a guided tour of Barcelona, including a visit to the iconic Boqueria Market. As students navigate one of the city's most active commercial spaces, they will observe how local vendors operate within a competitive urban economy. This visit offers insight into microeconomic principles, such as supply and demand, pricing strategies, and the impact of tourism on small businesses.

After lunch, the group will visit the Barcelona Stock Exchange, one of Spain’s key financial institutions. Here, students will learn about how markets function, how companies raise capital, and the role of financial instruments in the broader economy. This visit provides a real-world perspective on macroeconomic concepts such as investment, market regulation, and economic cycles.

Through the day’s activities, students strengthen their grasp of how commerce and finance shape economic systems, both locally and globally.

After breakfast, the group will check out and transfer to the airport for their return flight to the UK.

As they head home, students can reflect on the economic themes explored throughout the trip—from tourism and global branding to local enterprise and public sector industries—connecting real-world experiences with their classroom learning.