Barcelona Takes Hit as Showpiece Tech Show Canceled on Virus
- Catalan capital’s economy hurt by decision to call off event
- Organizers cite ‘force majeure’ situation, call for solidarity
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Enric Catala, a Barcelona sommelier, watched in dismay as clients began canceling the wine tastings he’d set up at this year’s showpiece technology congress known as MWC.
“Of course it has an economic impact -- it’s a huge event,” said Catala, who owns Taca de Vi, which offers wine tours, events and tasting sessions. “But this is all caused by something external -- it’s not as if Barcelona did anything wrong.”