Over the last few weeks, more than 400 schools in Catalonia have opted to suspend excursions, camps and school trips for the 2026-2027 school year. Beyond the labour dispute behind it, this decision is causing real concern among families, schools and, of course, us too. At Valua, we want to share how we are experiencing this situation and why we believe it deserves attention.
What is happening with school outings in Catalonia
As part of the teachers’ strikes and campaigns, some of the teaching community has decided not to take part in organising school trips, outings, camps and so on, as a pressure measure. It is a legitimate decision, but the consequences are clear: end-of-year trips suspended, camps cancelled and exchanges that will not take place.
According to recent figures from ACAVe (the Catalan Association of Specialist Travel Agencies), the drop in school trip bookings in Catalonia is already close to 40%. School trips are also part of a local ecosystem linked to culture, the region and educational experiences: the impact reaches transport, accommodation, guides and the whole network of small suppliers who make their living from educational tourism.
ACAVe’s letter to the Generalitat
In the face of this situation, ACAVe has sent an official communication to the Department of Education and Vocational Training, addressed to the Hon. Ms Esther Niubó Cidoncha, to convey the sector’s concern and call for urgent measures.
At Valua, we expressly asked for this letter to be sent and we fully support its content.
You can read the full communication here.
The message is simple: we fully understand the teachers’ demands, but we would like to find a way for this situation not to end up affecting the students or the small operators who are part of the chain.
Why school outings are not “just another excursion”
School trips — camps, end-of-year trips, exchanges or cultural outings — are part of the educational curriculum. They are not an extra or a whim. They are a recognised teaching tool.
What does a student lose when their end-of-year trip is suspended?
Learning outside the classroom, in real settings where geography, history or culture stop being a book.
Developing personal independence, often the first time they spend a few days away from their family.
Group cohesion, especially important after the pandemic years. We all remember the consequences COVID left on this generation of students — in their relationships, in their sociability, in how they bond with one another — and sharing a trip remains one of the best ways to build bonds that will last a lifetime.
Cultural openness, especially on exchanges and trips abroad.
Each year group experiences this only once. This loss cannot be made up the following school year.
An educational experience that also connects schools, the region and local culture
Most agencies specialising in school outings in Catalonia are small and medium-sized Catalan businesses with teams that have been working in this niche for years. We know the safety protocols, the trusted suppliers, the right destinations for each age group and the regulations on minors.
A 40% drop directly threatens the viability of many of these agencies. And if they disappear, there is no immediate replacement.
Valua’s position
At Valua, we have been organising school trips in Catalonia for years and we know the value they have for schools, families and students. That is why we are joining ACAVe’s request: we are asking the Generalitat to open urgent channels of dialogue to guarantee this activity for the 2026-2027 school year.
In the meantime, we are aware of the moment teachers are going through and of the strain that many situations are causing in schools. We are adapting plans, offering flexibility on dates and conditions, and working so that no group that wants to travel is left without doing so.
Valuing school trips also means valuing the people who make them possible every day.
Are you in charge of a school and want to organise the end-of-year trip, camps or an exchange for next school year? Get in touch and we will help you plan it with every guarantee.