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Catalonia delays doubling its tourist tax until after summer
The regional government has postponed the controversial rise in visitor levies following legal concerns
The regional government of Catalonia has announced a delay to its proposed increase in tourist taxes, initially scheduled to come into effect in May 2025. The new date for implementation has been set for October 2025, allowing additional time to address legal and procedural challenges.
The planned rise could see tourists paying up to €15 per day (£12.74), depending on the category of accommodation. At present, the levy ranges from €6 to €11 and is calculated based on the luxury level of accommodation, with cruise passengers also subject to the charge.
Barcelona, the region’s capital and a leading destination for British holidaymakers, currently charges guests €5.70 (£4.80) per night in four-star hotels and €7.50 (£6.10) in five-star establishments.
The decision to increase the tax follows widespread anti-tourism protests that erupted last summer, driven by concerns over the impact of mass tourism on local communities, housing and public infrastructure.
Catalonia remains the most visited region in Spain, and officials had initially framed the tax rise as a necessary measure to manage the effects of over-tourism. However, the regional government has now opted to seek parliamentary approval before enforcing the change, prompting a postponement of several months.
By deferring the increase until after the summer peak, Catalonia aims to avoid disruption to the upcoming tourist season while continuing to explore ways to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the wellbeing of local residents.
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