World
February 28, 2025 12:21
barcelona, catalonia - Barcelona and Catalonia are raising tourist tax rates, with significant increases in the Catalan capital, Barcelona, to fund housing projects.
Barcelona and Catalonia's Tourist Tax Hike
Across Catalonia, tourists will face higher taxes, particularly in Barcelona, following an agreement between the regional government and the leftist party Comuns. The revenue will be used for housing projects for locals.
David Cid of Comuns stated, "Many Catalans are struggling. Tourists visiting us could contribute a bit more to address the country's biggest problem: housing access."
In Barcelona, accommodation costs will significantly rise. For instance, a 5-star hotel will see the tax increase from 3.50 to 7 euros per night, potentially totaling 15 euros with the city's additional charge. The tax for 4-star hotels will be 11.40 euros, and for hostels or guesthouses, it will double from 1 to 2 euros.
Barcelona had previously announced a tax increase for cruise visitors, from 3 to 6 euros for stays less than 24 hours, and to 4 euros per night for longer stays. Outside Barcelona, luxury accommodations will see a rise from 3 to 6 euros per night.
The Catalan tourism sector has criticized the plans, with concerns about excessive taxation. The Barcelona Hotel Association warned that Barcelona could have the highest tourist taxes in Europe, surpassing cities like Paris and Rome.
Despite opposition, supporters argue that tourists, not hoteliers, will bear the tax burden. Cid justified the doubling of the tax due to the record number of tourists visiting Catalonia.
Catalonia received nearly 20 million tourists last year, leading to resistance against over-tourism and its negative impacts on housing affordability and local livelihoods. Spain witnessed protests against tourism growth, including incidents like tourists being sprayed with water guns in Barcelona.