Spain’s Catalonia Doubles Tourist Tax for Holidaymakers

The Catalan authorities have signed an agreement to raise the tourist tax to a maximum of €15 per person per night, which is double the amount currently set.

Catalonia, which is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Spain, introduced the tax initially in 2022, to double it up this year to a total of €15 per person for every night they spend in this region, with the price being higher, depending on the the type of accommodation, Schengen.News reports. 

Currently, tourists staying at five-star hotels in Catalonia have to pay €7.50, about €5.70 for four-star hotels, and €6.25 for those staying in rental apartments. 

25% of the Revenue Generated by Tourist Taxes to Be Allocated for Housing Access 
As the agreement points out, at least 25 per cent of the revenues that this task generates will be allocated to fund housing policies and offer housing to groups of people that cannot afford it. 

The tourist tax in Barcelona could reach up to €15 per night, while the rest of the region is allowed to increase the tax only under certain conditions. Such conditions include a surcharge that previously applied only to Barcelona. 

Jéssica Albiach, the Comuns leader in Parliament, and Alícia Romero, the Minister of Economy signed the new agreement last week, which is part of the new tax measure. The two officials also agreed to double the transmission tax to 20 per cent for those who own more than five apartments. 

Barcelona’s Hospitality Sector Opposes New Measure 
While many complained that this amount is too high and might scare tourists away, officials said that it is a reasonable tax, especially taking into account the popularity of Catalonia as a tourism destination.

However, the Barcelona Hotel Association did not welcome the new measure, arguing that it is a “fiscal asphyxiation”. 

According to them, the hospitality sector contributes over €120 million to the region’s economy, as Barcelona is not only the most popular destination for tourists in Spain but also in Europe.

Source: https://schengen.news/spains-catalonia-doubles-tourist-tax-for-holidaymakers/