Else Beekman
Catalonia is set to double its tourist tax, with visitors to Barcelona potentially paying up to €12.1 per person per night. This move follows an agreement between the Catalan government and the parliamentary group Comuns.
According to Hosteltur, the increased levy aims to generate funds for housing policies, but the hospitality sector has strongly opposed the decision, warning of negative consequences for tourism.
Higher fees for tourists
The new tax structure will see tourists paying significantly more per night depending on their accommodation type:
- €12.1 per night in a 5-star hotel
- €8.14 per night in a 4-star hotel
- €6.6 per night in other categories
David Cid, spokesperson for Comuns, justified the increase by highlighting record tourism numbers and revenue. He argued that tourists paying hundreds per night for a hotel room could afford a slightly higher tax. He also emphasised that the extra funds would primarily go towards addressing Catalonia’s housing crisis.
Hospitality sector backlash
Despite the government’s rationale, the tourism and hospitality industry has fiercely criticised the tax hike. The Confederation of Hospitality and Catering of Catalonia (Confecat) strongly opposes the measure, claiming that it will further burden an already overtaxed industry. The group argues that the continuous increase in financial pressure could damage the competitiveness of businesses and the wider economy.
The Barcelona Hotel Guild echoed these concerns, warning that the city will soon have the highest tourist tax in Europe. The amount even surpasses Paris and Rome, where hotel prices are generally higher. This could deter tourists and make Barcelona a less attractive destination.
Impact on business and events
The Association of Travel Agencies (ACAVE) labeled the decision a “strategic mistake” and warned that it would hurt both leisure and business tourism. Barcelona is a major hub for international events and conferences. Consequently, the rising costs could make it less appealing for organisers. ACAVE also criticized the government’s decision to redirect tourist tax funds from tourism development to housing policies. In their vision, this goes against the original purpose of the tax.
Wider industry reactions
The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations (CEHAT) joined the opposition. It stated that hotels are not responsible for the housing crisis. CEHAT blames administrative failures for the lack of affordable housing. Therefore, taxing tourists will not solve the problem. Its president, Jorge Marichal, accused the government of treating tourism as an unlimited source of revenue without considering the global competition for visitors.
A common practice in Europe
Tourist taxes are not unique to Catalonia. Many European countries, including France, Italy, and Germany, impose similar levies on visitors. In Italy, for instance, over 35 cities, including Rome and Venice, charge a tourist tax. Furthermore, Amsterdam has one of the highest in Europe, almost €17 per night. Some destinations, like Venice, have introduced entry fees for day visitors to manage overtourism.
In Spain, apart from Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia impose a tourist tax, with rates varying from €1 to €5 per night, depending on the season and accommodation type. Meanwhile, other regions, such as Andalucia and the Basque Country, are still debating whether to implement such measures.
The financial impact of the tourist tax
Since its introduction in 2012, Catalonia’s tourist tax has generated €580 million, with more than half—€304 million—coming from Barcelona alone. With the latest increase, this revenue is expected to rise even further. However, industry leaders insist that any funds collected should continue to support tourism infrastructure and services rather than being diverted elsewhere.
Also read: Barcelona set to increase tourist tax for short-stay cruise passengers