Catalan parliament approves doubling of tourist tax, 25% to fund housing

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Catalonia’s regional parliament approved on Wednesday legislation to double the tourist tax, with a quarter of the revenue earmarked for housing policies, as authorities seek to address mounting pressure on the property market amid record visitor numbers.

The law passed with support from the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and the Comuns alliance, while Junts, the Popular Party (PP), Vox and Aliança Catalana voted against. The Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) abstained, El Periodico reported.

Under the new rules, the increase will take effect in Barcelona in April, while the rest of Catalonia will implement the measure gradually, with a first rise this year and the full increase applied by April 2027.

Five-star hotels in Barcelona will see the sharpest rise. The base regional rate will increase from €3.50 ($4.13) to €7 ($8.26) per night. Combined with the updated municipal surcharge of €5 ($5.90), guests could pay €12 ($14.16) per night, with the city council retaining the option to raise the total to €15 ($17.70).

Lower-category hotels, tourist apartments, hostels, campsites and cruise ships will also be affected.

The legislation introduces a key change allowing all municipalities, not only Barcelona, to apply a local surcharge of up to €4 ($4.72), provided it does not exceed the base regional rate. Revenue from these surcharges will go directly to municipal budgets.

Additionally, the law simplifies tax collection by introducing a single annual payment period instead of two.

Of the revenue collected by the regional government, 25% will be allocated to housing policies, with lawmakers arguing that tourism contributes to housing shortages and rising rents. The remaining 75% will continue to fund tourism promotion.

Supporters say the increase reflects the sector’s strong performance, noting that Catalonia welcomed 25 million tourists in 2025, generating €26 billion ($30.7 billion) in revenue. They estimate tax income will rise from €100 million ($118 million) to €200 million ($236 million) annually.