Barcelona and other Catalan areas could be doubling their tourist taxes following the approval of Jaume Collboni, the mayor of Barcelona, as this will fund infrastructure and improve the tourism experience.
Spring break and summer holidays are just around the corner, bringing with them longer days, warmer weather, and the excitement of spending a few days abroad. However, holidaymakers heading to Barcelona and other Catalan tourist destinations may soon face an additional charge, with the potential for a tourist tax increase of up to 15€ (£12.39) per person.
Last Thursday, the Catalan government signed an agreement allowing Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia to double the current tourist tax. Jaume Collboni, the mayor of Barcelona, assured the public that the implementation would be “thoughtful and reasonable,” though he did not specify when the changes would take place.
This move follows significant protests in 2024 against mass tourism, which saw crowds take to the streets of Barcelona and other major Spanish cities. The protests were driven by a surge in holiday flat numbers, with locals expressing concerns over rising rental and property prices, which they argue have been exacerbated by the increase in tourism over the past few years.
The proposed tax increase could potentially make Barcelona the city with the highest tourist tax in Europe, surpassing Paris and Rome, which currently charge up to 11.38€ (£9.40) and 10€ (£8.26) per night, respectively. As of today, Barcelona charges guests staying in four-star hotels 5.70€ (£4.71) per night and 7.50€ (£6.20) for those staying in five-star hotels.
In addition to Barcelona, other popular Catalan destinations that could see an increase in their tourist tax include Salou, Tarragona, Lloret de Mar, Sitges, and parts of the Costa Brava. Last year, the tourist tax in Catalonia brought in over 90 million euros (£74 million), a significant revenue boost for the region.
The increase in tourist tax could have a significant impact on British holidaymakers, especially those travelling with big families. While the increase in tax might seem relatively modest, it can still add up over the course of the trip. Therefore, this could make Barcelona and other Catalan destinations less attractive to those on a budget, opting for other European cities.
While the additional tax may help fund infrastructure and improve the tourism experience, it also raises questions about the impact on visitors and the local economy. As the tourist season approaches, it remains to be seen how this potential tax hike will affect both the local tourism industry and the millions of visitors who come to Catalonia every year.