Barcelona city council has voted to raise the city’s tourist tax for a second time this year.
In April, the fee, intended to reduce tourism numbers and soften the impact of overtourism, rose from €2,75 (R54,55) per person per night to €3,25 (R64,45).
However, due to the lack of the desired results, the fee will rise to €4 (R79,35) per person per night in October.
Visitors to Barcelona have to pay both a Catalonian regional tourism fee and Barcelona city tourist tax, per person per day, based on booked accommodation and whether they are disembarked cruise passengers.
The Catalonian regional tax per person per night currently varies depending on accommodation. For four-star hotels, it is €1,70 (R33,70); for rental accommodation, it is €2,25 (R44,60); and for five-star and luxury hotels, the charge is €3,50 (R69,40).
Cruise passengers spending less than 12 hours in Catalonia, including Barcelona, now pay €3 (R59,50). Cruisers who stay more than 12 hours only pay €2 (R39,68), as it is considered a commitment to increased spending.
The separate Barcelona city tax, which applies to a maximum seven-night stay, has been steadily increasing. It is currently set at €3,25 (R64,50) per person per night for the majority of visitors and €4 (R79,35) for those staying in short-term rentals or stopping off by cruise for less than 12 hours.
From October, all tourists will have to pay Barcelona city a minimum of €4 (R79,35) per person per night or per day.
Day visitors, who are not disembarking from ships and have not booked accommodation do not have to pay any tourist tax to Barcelona city or the Catalonian region.