Barcelona Tourist Tax to Double in April, Reaching Up to €15 Per Night

Barcelona is set to significantly increase its tourist tax starting in April, potentially reaching €15 per night for some visitors. The move aims to address the city’s housing crisis and curb the impact of mass tourism.

Tourist Tax Increases: A Breakdown

The regional parliament of Catalonia approved a law doubling the tourist tax for holiday rental guests to a maximum of €12.50 per night, up from €6.25 India Today. This increase precedes a planned ban on all short-term rental accommodation by 2028.

Hotel guests will as well face higher taxes, ranging from €10 to €15 per night, depending on the hotel category, an increase from the current €5 to €7.50 India Today. A couple staying two nights in a four-star hotel could see an additional cost of €45.60, with a potential charge of up to €11.40 per person per night.

Guests at five-star hotels could be charged up to €15 per night, while cruise passengers will continue to pay around €6 India Today.

Allocation of Revenue

A quarter of the revenue generated from the increased tourist tax will be allocated to addressing Barcelona’s housing crisis Catalan News. The remaining 75% will be directed to the Tourism Promotion Fund Catalan News.

Barcelona City Council Tax Increases

The law also allows the Barcelona City Council to raise the maximum tourist tax it can apply from €4 to €8 Catalan News. Last year, the council approved annual increases of €1 until the tax reaches €8 in 2029 Catalan News.

Regional Variations

Outside of Barcelona, the increase in tourist tax will be progressive. From April 1 to March 31, 2027, the maximum rate will be €4.50 per night, increasing to €6 from April 2027 Catalan News.

Political Support and Opposition

The bill was supported by the Socialist Party, pro-independence Esquerra Republicana, and the Comuns Catalan News. CUP abstained, while Junts, PP, Vox and Aliança voted against the measure Catalan News.