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Barcelona, a perennial favorite for global travelers, is implementing a significant increase in its tourist tax. The decision aims to address the city's pressing housing affordability issues and regulate the influx of visitors.

New Tax Rates and Implementation

Starting April 1, 2026, and continuing until March 31, 2027, tourists staying in hotels or rented apartments will face higher charges. The maximum daily tax will jump from 6.25 euros to 12.5 euros. This means visitors in hotels will likely pay between 10 to 15 euros per night, depending on the accommodation's star rating, a notable increase from the previous 5-7.5 euro range.

An exception is made for tourists arriving by cruise ship; their daily tax remains unchanged at 6 euros.

Reasons Behind the Tax Hike

The primary drivers for doubling the tourist tax are to improve housing accessibility for residents and to gently curb the overwhelming number of tourists. Barcelona attracts an estimated 15 to 16 million visitors annually, which has created considerable strain on the local population.

Residents have voiced concerns about rising accommodation prices, with many properties being converted from long-term rentals to short-term tourist lets. This shift has made it increasingly difficult for locals to find affordable housing.

Allocation of New Revenue

Under the new legislation, a quarter of the revenue generated from the increased tax will be directly allocated to solving the city's housing crisis. The remaining 75 percent will be channeled into a fund dedicated to developing tourism in a more sustainable manner.

Financial Impact on Visitors

Beyond accommodation costs, the enhanced tax will add to the overall expense for tourists. For instance, a family of four spending a week in Barcelona could see an additional expenditure of approximately 420 euros solely on these tourist taxes.

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