Barcelona City Council will increase the tourist tax to 4 euros starting from 1 October, when the new rate will come into effect following the approval of the amendment to Fiscal Ordinance 2.2, raising the tax from 3.25 to 4 euros per person, per night, across all accommodation categories.
The council expects this measure to boost annual revenue by approximately 20 million euros, which will be used to fund public services such as cleaning, security, street lighting, and transportation.
Combining the revenue from 100% of this municipal surcharge and 50% from the Tourist Accommodation Tax (IEET), paid by those staying overnight in the city and collected by the Generalitat, it is expected that more than 115 million euros will be raised.
This measure was provisionally approved in the July plenary session with the support of the municipal government (PSC), Junts, BComú, and ERC, and opposed by the PP and Vox. It was automatically approved as no objections were raised during the public information period.
The tax will also fund the High-Visitor Areas Plan (EGA) and projects "that promote the attraction and hosting of fairs and congresses, which help to diversify the city’s economy, add value to it, and stimulate its dynamism."
The increase to 4 euros represents the maximum legal limit allowed under the Generalitat de Catalunya’s regulations, and Barcelona City Council "has proposed requesting the Generalitat to raise the legal threshold that restricts the municipal surcharge."
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