Barcelona to Increase Tourist Tax to €15 Per Night

Barcelona, one of Europe’s most visited cities, has announced a significant increase in its tourist tax, which is set to reach €15 per person per night by 2025. If implemented, this will make the Catalan capital the most expensive in Europe in terms of tourist levies, surpassing Paris and Rome, according to Catalan News.

The Catalan government justifies the hike as a necessary measure to combat the negative effects of mass tourism. The city has been struggling with overburdened public transport, rising rental prices, and growing dissatisfaction among locals. Additionally, the increased tax will be used to fund public services, with at least 25% of the revenue allocated to affordable housing initiatives.

David Cid, a representative of the Comuns party in the Catalan Parliament, defended the decision, calling it a reasonable and fair measure:

"Someone paying €400-500 per night for a hotel can afford to pay an additional €7," he stated. "We have record numbers of tourists, and this adjustment does not restrict visitor arrivals."

Cid further emphasized that similar measures are being considered across Europe, arguing that tourists should contribute to solving the housing crisis.

"Those who visit us can make a small effort to help address our biggest problem," he added.

The new tax will apply not only to hotels but also to short-term rental properties such as Airbnb listings. The increase will be implemented gradually to allow businesses and tourists time to adapt before it takes full effect in 2025.

According to The Independent, Barcelona already raised its tourist tax from €3.25 to €4 per night in October 2024, followed by another hike in November to nearly €8 per night.

Currently, five-star hotel guests pay €7.50 per night, while
Those staying in four-star hotels pay €5.70.
With the upcoming changes, these rates could more than double, depending on the type of accommodation.

Public Reaction: Approval or Backlash?

Many Spanish residents support the new measure, as the country has seen growing protests against excessive tourism. In July 2024, tensions peaked when thousands of Barcelona locals poured water on tourists dining in restaurant zones, chanting:

“Tourists, go home!”
“Enough! Let’s limit tourism!”

Protesters have also demanded lower rental prices, arguing that landlords favor short-term vacation rentals over long-term housing, making apartments increasingly unaffordable for locals.

Hotel Industry Outrage: "Constant Tax Pressure"

Barcelona’s hotel sector strongly opposes the move, arguing that it puts the city's competitiveness at risk, especially in key markets such as business tourism.

The Barcelona Hotel Association criticized the decision, stating that the hospitality industry is already subject to €120 million in annual tourist taxes. The organization insists that revenue from these taxes should be used transparently and invested in tourism-related infrastructure rather than diverted to housing policies.

The Costa Brava-Pyrenees of Girona Tourist Apartments Association (ATA) expressed disappointment, arguing that the tax increase will hurt family tourism.

“When families travel, these taxes must be multiplied by four or five people, significantly increasing their expenses,” said Esther Torrent, the ATA’s president.

Barcelona’s Growing Anti-Tourism Policies

Barcelona is increasingly tightening restrictions on tourism and short-term rentals, which could impact real estate investment in Spain.

The city's mayor has even proposed an outright ban on short-term apartment rentals, leaving the industry exclusively to hotels. Meanwhile, Spain is considering extreme measures such as a 100% property tax on foreign buyers or even a complete ban on non-EU nationals purchasing real estate.

Barcelona continues to seek a balance between maintaining its status as one of the world's top travel destinations and ensuring livability for its residents. However, with stricter policies and higher costs, it remains to be seen whether this approach will successfully regulate tourism or drive visitors away.