Major tourist destination in Spain will DOUBLE its tourist tax – CSN

Louise Brown February 28, 2025 Travel Leave a comment

A MAJOR Spanish tourism destination will double its tax on tourists amid increasing tensions among locals and foreigners.

Catalan officials announced yesterday new legislation doubling the tourist tax in the region to fight mass tourism.

According to some reports it could rise to as much as €15 per night in Barcelona’s five-star hotels.

Aerial view from Barcelona, Spain of the Sagrada Familia. The church was designed by Catalan Antoni Gaudi.

To alleviate the housing crisis in the area, at least 25% of proceeds will go to new housing policy.

Pushed by the Catalan government and local Sumar branch, Comuns, the measure starts from €1.20 in basic accommodations and camp sites.

Outside Barcelona, rates can rise up to €6 per night.

In the city tourist taxes begin at €2 and despite some reporting that they could rise up to €15, the figure confirmed so far is €7.

Last year, Catalunya earnt €90 million from the measure, rising from €85 million in 2023.

Following this trajectory, they are expected to bring in €200 million each year.

Local councils were also encouraged to set their own rates of tourist tax, just as they do in the Catalan Capital.

The new regulations, which were the result of months of negotiation, are expected to be approved in the near future.

Despite backlash from hoteliers, the government has defended the decision, saying it ‘will do more good than harm’.

A quarter of profits will be allocated to affordable housing measures for vulnerable young people.

The regulation of the Fund for the Promotion of Tourism has also been modified, meaning local authorities can allocate funds to ‘housing, economic promotion and cultural diversification’ policies.

Barcelona has approved a municipal surcharge.

The Catalan capital expects to earn €115 million a year, €20 million more than 2024’s €95 million.

Barcelona’s hotels reached a record turnover of €2.2 billion last year and the city intends to use this additional money to pay for cleaning and security costs, as well as investing in Fira de Barcelona.

Cruise passengers will also pay more taxes, between 4 and 6 euros per hour depending on how long they spend on Catalan territory.

The new taxation also contributes to the agreement reached this week between the Government and Comuns to allocate several public plots to the construction of 1,200 public housing units in different areas of Catalonia: Terrassa, Llança, Barcelona, Sant Vicenç de Castellet, Esplugues, Girona, Tarragona, Xerta, Prades and Figueres.