Catalan authorities have made a decision that has already sparked intense debate among residents and visitors alike. Starting in 2029, tourists staying at Barcelona’s five-star hotels will pay €15 per night per person. For a family of four, a week-long vacation will mean an extra €420 just in tourist taxes. This is not just a rate adjustment—it’s a true revolution in tourism policy.
Officials explain that the new fee system will allow tourism revenues to be redistributed for the benefit of the city and the region. A quarter of all proceeds will go toward housing programs, with the remainder allocated to a special tourism support fund. Notably, half of the collected funds will remain in the municipality where the tax is generated, while another quarter will go to the Catalan government to develop tourism infrastructure.
Details of the changes
The reform will affect not only Barcelona but all of Catalonia. However, the regional capital will see the highest tax rates. In other cities, five-star hotels will charge €4.50 per person per night, rising to €6 in 2027. Taxes for hotels with fewer stars will also increase, but less sharply: from €1.80 to €2.40 per night by 2027.
In Barcelona, in addition to the main tax, the municipality will be able to gradually increase its own levy—from the current €4 to €8 by 2029. As a result, the total fee for visitors to the capital will range from €10 to €15 per night. For those who prefer luxury, a stay in Barcelona will become significantly more expensive.
Who benefits
Interestingly, 25% of all tax revenue will go toward addressing housing issues. This is not just a formality—Barcelona has faced a shortage of affordable housing in recent years, and tourist inflows only exacerbate the problem. The remaining 75% will be invested in tourism development, which authorities believe will make travel in the region more sustainable and beneficial for local residents.
Municipalities with low tourism income will be able to transfer their share to the comarca fund (Consell Comarcal), so that resources are used more efficiently. This approach, proposed by reform authors, is designed to support even the smallest towns and villages that see fewer tourists.
Reactions and debate
There has been no shortage of criticism. Opposition representatives have already dubbed the initiative a ‘blow to tourism’ and accused the socialists of colluding with parties allegedly hindering development in one of Catalonia’s key economic sectors. However, supporters of the reform are confident that it is tourists who should offset the costs their presence imposes on the city—from rising housing prices to overloaded infrastructure.
Particular attention was given to cruise ships. For passengers spending less than 12 hours in Barcelona, the tax will be 6 euros per night. For hotels with gaming rooms, the rate will rise to 10 euros plus a municipal fee, totaling a record 18 euros per night.
What’s next
The introduction of the new rates is scheduled for April, with final approval set for February. A year ago, an attempt at reform failed due to disagreements between parties, but now a compromise has been reached. Authorities emphasize: it’s not businesses but city visitors who pay the tax, and this money will come back as new parks, roads, and social programs.
However, not everyone believes in the effectiveness of this approach. Some fear that higher taxes will deter tourists, especially families, and hurt small businesses. Others see it as the only way to deal with the negative effects of mass tourism. In any case, Barcelona and Catalonia are betting on quality over quantity of visitors. And they seem ready to take a risk for the future.
