MAKING A DIFFERENCE

DestinationsBarcelona is the latest destination to raise its tourist tax as part of efforts to combat overtourism.

Yet another destination increases tourist tax

By Travel Weekly Asia

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Apr 08, 2024

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Bacelona’s city tax is now €3.25 in April 2024.

Bacelona’s city tax is now €3.25 in April 2024. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Tomoya

As overtourism continues to plague popular travel destinations worldwide, more places like Venice and Bali are implementing tourist tax to manage soaring visitor numbers. Barcelona has also just increased its tourist tax effective 1 April 2024, as part of efforts to curb overtourism and promote "quality" tourism.

This tax, first introduced in 2012, supplements the region-wide tourist tax, with varying rates based on accommodation type. For instance, visitors staying in four-star hotels pay €1.70, while those in luxury hotels pay €3.50.

Cruise passengers face a fee ranging from €2 to €3, depending on their duration in the city. The city tax, applicable for a maximum seven-night stay, rose from €1.75 to €2.75 in April 2023 and has now recently increased to €3.25 in April 2024.

This tax hike aims to bolster the city's budget, potentially generating €100 million in 2024. Other Spanish cities, like the Balearic Islands, have also implemented tourist taxes to address the adverse impacts of mass tourism.

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