American Visitors & Transw. has been reuniting tourists with their forgotten belongings in Barcelona for over a century, showcasing the city's hospitality.
For over a century, American Visitors & Transw. has played a crucial role in ensuring that tourists in Barcelona do not leave behind their cherished possessions. Founded in 1910, the agency specializes in retrieving and safely transporting items left behind by travelers at hotels across the city. Recently, Pepe Garrido and his nephew Miquel Catena visited around twenty hotels to collect various forgotten belongings, ranging from sentimental stuffed animals to valuable jewelry.
The company’s origins trace back to its association with Viajes Marsans, which facilitated the transport of luggage for transatlantic travelers during the early 20th century. Garrido recalls how the agency initially catered to just two luxury hotels and local pensions but expanded as Barcelona’s hospitality sector grew. After acquiring the business from his family in 2008, Garrido focused on enhancing services tailored to an increasingly diverse clientele.
Operating 24 hours a day, American Visitors offers comprehensive logistics for item retrieval and delivery. They handle everything from packing and documentation to customs management, ensuring that items reach their destinations swiftly—within 36 hours for the U.S., 24 hours for Europe, and 48 hours globally.
Their unique service includes not only recovering lost items but also fulfilling pre-arranged deliveries of luxury purchases made by travelers who prefer not to carry them through airports. Garrido fondly remembers packaging souvenirs like Lladró figurines for American clients during his childhood.
A significant portion of their business revolves around forgotten possessions—common items like AirPods or smartphones alongside high-value goods such as Cartier bracelets or expensive watches. The agency often receives requests from affluent tourists who may leave behind entire suitcases filled with luxury goods they wish to avoid carrying themselves.
A recent case involved personally delivering a car key to a businessman in Paris after it was left behind during his stay in Barcelona. Such instances highlight the lengths Garrido and Catena will go to ensure customer satisfaction.
Their operations extend beyond Barcelona; they have traveled as far as Madrid and even Turín to retrieve lost items on behalf of clients. This year alone, approximately 40% of their clientele hails from the United States, particularly cruise passengers staying in Barcelona.
The agency also addresses more practical needs; they frequently send essential medications like insulin that travelers inadvertently leave behind while exploring other cities. Garrido emphasizes that trust is paramount in their line of work: “People want assurance that their belongings will arrive safely.”
The pandemic posed significant challenges for American Visitors & Transw., nearly halting operations temporarily. However, they seized this opportunity to relocate their office within Sants-Montjuïc, allowing them to better serve both tourists and art galleries needing secure shipping solutions for valuable artworks.
This blend of personal touch and professional service has solidified American Visitors’ reputation as guardians of travelers’ treasures throughout Barcelona’s bustling tourism landscape.
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