1. Hard Rock project: “Closer than ever”

Salou’s mayor, Pere Granados, has confirmed persistent momentum behind the controversial Hard Rock entertainment complex. In a Feb 13 interview, he emphasized strong backing from Catalan President Salvador Illa, stating the project is “closer than ever” despite previous setbacks over tax breaks and gaming duties

Although promotional tax incentives were rescinded and gaming taxes reset at 55%, Granados maintains these moves don’t reflect opposition. He highlighted that a new master urban plan is now under review . Local business leaders remain divided: some see it as a path to year‑round tourism, while opponents cite environmental risks, loss of family‑friendly appeal, and protection of preserved land .

2. Surge in “top manta” street vending

During the peak tourism season, Salou has witnessed heightened conflict surrounding illegal street vending (“top manta”). A major police operation on June 17 involved over 300 officers, resulting in 19 arrests across Salou, Reus, and Les Borges del Camp. Vendors resisted, throwing stones, damaging vehicles, and leaving several officers lightly injured

This followed another large-scale raid on June 5, where authorities seized illegal goods valued at over €1 million. Vendors responded with protests, blocking the seafront promenade until a mediated truce was reached

In response to ongoing unrest, about 30 vendors blocked Salou’s Miramar promenade on June 5 to demand a mediation process. Authorities agreed, halting a planned operation by over 130 officers and launching discussions

Deputy mayor for public safety, Sebastià Domínguez, urged Cambrils and other authorities to address root causes, including creating a dedicated municipal police force to tackle this recurring issue

Despite the tension, Mayor Granados denies systemic problems in Salou itself, pointing fingers at neighboring Cambrils for the source of most vendors

3. Cultural renaissance: Capital of Catalan Culture 2025

Salou officially became Capital of Catalan Culture 2025 on Jan 26, accepting the baton from Sabadell

A wave of events is underway to showcase the city’s rich heritage—from Neolithic, Greco-Roman, and medieval archaeological sites to modernist architecture like Torre Vella and local traditions including human towers and children’s choir performances

In February, Mayor Granados, along with Councillor Julia Gómez, hosted cultural associations and crafted dynamic programming that involves community participation from the many nationalities that make up Salou’s resident base

The lineup—backed by a €450,000 budget combining municipal, regional, Generalitat, and EU funds—includes concerts (including July’s Festiuet festival with Catalan rock and Camela), theatre, exhibitions, guided heritage tours, gastronomy fairs like the Sabor Street Food Market, and the modernization of cultural landmarks

This initiative is also integral to Salou’s push for de‑seasonalization, helping shift from a summer-only resort to a cultural tourism destination with global visibility

4. Sustainability, sports, innovation & tourism beyond summer

Salou is actively reshaping its tourism model:

Joining a state pilot project via Segitur, the municipality aims to ensure that tourism delivers stable, year‑long employment and less seasonal dependency

The city continues investing in sports infrastructure—adding athletic tracks, football fields, heated pools—to attract sports tourism well beyond summer months. Sports tourism already brings some 200,000 annual visitors, over 400,000 overnight stays, and is a key part of year-round economic strategy

There’s a strong focus from industry partners like Jet2holidays, which plans to extend operations from April through October and underscores Salou as a prime example of sustainable, safe, and diversified tourism

In April, several Golden Hotels in Salou completed renovations—improving family amenities, sustainability systems, and entertainment offerings—to enhance off‑season appeal

Final Thoughts

In short, Salou in mid‑2025 is navigating a delicate evolution: balancing bold developments like Hard Rock, grappling with social challenges such as the top manta, while advancing a broad vision of cultural, sports, and sustainable tourism. The city’s ambition as Catalan Cultural Capital and its partnerships in innovation and wellness tourism point toward a future of diversified, year‑round vibrancy.