"From April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, the law will progressively increase the tax for holiday rental guests to a maximum of €12.5 per night, up from €6.25. Hotel guests would pay a maximum of between €10 and €15, up from the current €5 to €7.5, depending on the category of the hotel. Luxury establishments will be able to charge more per guest, according to the law."
"The tax was doubled as an effort to help finance affordable housing and curb overtourism, which has been a pressing issue in many parts of Spain but especially in Barcelona, which receives roughly 15 to 16 million tourists a year. Locals have been protesting excessive tourism, claiming that the holidaymakers drive up housing prices and replace potential long-term housing with short-term holiday lets."
"According to the text of the new law, a quarter of the revenue earned from the tax hike will go towards addressing the city's housing crisis."
Catalonia lawmakers approved doubling the tourist tax effective April 1, 2026, making Barcelona one of Europe's most expensive destinations for visitors. Holiday rental guests will pay up to €12.50 per night, while hotel guests face €10-€15 depending on hotel category, up from previous rates of €6.25 and €5-€7.50 respectively. Cruise passengers remain at approximately €6. Barcelona City Council can separately raise its tourist tax from €4 to €8. The tax increase targets overtourism and housing affordability, with 25% of revenue directed toward affordable housing initiatives. This controversial measure responds to local protests about tourism driving housing prices and replacing long-term rentals with short-term holiday lets.
Read at Euro Weekly News
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