Measure against housing shortage: Catalonia increases tourism tax: up to 15 euros per night

The Spanish region of Catalonia with visitor magnet such as Barcelona and Lloret de Mar doubles the tourist taxes. At least 25 percent of the income should be used to combat the lack of housing to fight, which is considered one of the worst consequences of mass tourism, as the state TV broadcaster RTVE and other media reported citing the regional government. In the future, up to 15 euros per night and guest will be due in Barcelona. The increase should come into force this year, but there is no precise appointment yet, it said.

The agreement of various parties stipulates that the overnight fee raised by the region is doubled; It is staggered according to the place and by category and type of accommodation. In addition, all municipalities of Catalonia will be able to raise a municipal surcharge of up to four euros in the future, as was previously only been collected by the regional capital Barcelona. Meanwhile, Barcelona is allowed to double the surcharge from four to eight euros.

For example, the guest of a three-star hotel in Girona, who previously only pays 0.60 euros per night, could be asked to checkout up to 5.20 euros in the future. This amount is made up of the future accommodation tax of 1.20 euros and a municipal 4-euro surcharge. The individual city administrations themselves decide whether to apply the contract and include it in their tax statutes.

Hoteliers were for an increase

Hotelier associations had vigorously spoken out against the increase because these tourists could deter them. David Cid, spokesman for the left -wing party Coms, who often supports the government of the socialist Salvador Illa in the regional parliament, contradicted: “A person who comes to Barcelona and pays between 300 and 400 euros for a hotel can easily pay seven euros more.” Many Catalans are “very bad, the tourists can make a little effort,” he said.

More and more protests against mass tourism

The protests against mass tourism had accumulated all over Spain last year. In Barcelona, ​​tourists were sprayed with water pistols. With 19.9 million visitors – almost ten percent more than in the previous year – the region recorded a record in 2024. It is well the most visited region of Spain in front of the Balearic Islands (15.3 million). The tourism industry is happy about ringing health insurers. However, the rush puts a strain on the infrastructure, causes environmental problems and increases the cost of living.