Catalonia to double tourist tax from April

Lawmakers in the Catalan parliament have approved doubling the tourist tax from April.

The law provides that, from April 1, the tax that the Catalan government applies to the city of Barcelona will double.

One quarter of the tax revenue will be allocated to housing policies, while the remaining 75% will be destined for the Tourism Promotion Fund.

In luxury establishments, visitors will pay €7 per night, while it will be €3.40 in four-star establishments.

This is separate from the Barcelona City Council tourist tax, which visitors will also have to pay. The law also allows Barcelona to raise the maximum tourist tax it can apply from €4 to €8. 

Last year, the Barcelona council approved to increase the tourist tax by €1 each year until it reaches €8 in 2029.

In the rest of Catalonia, the increase will be progressive. From April 1 to March 31, 2027, the maximum rate will be €4.50 per night, and from April 2027, it will increase to €6.

The law also allows the Barcelona City Council to raise the maximum tourist tax it can apply from €4 to €8. 

The bill was supported by three left-wing parties, the Socialist Party, pro-independence Esquerra Republicana, and the Comuns.

CUP abstained, while Junts, PP, Vox and Aliança voted against.