The Principality of Asturias is planning a new tourist tax, which could start applying to visitors from summer 2026. The proposal is part of an agreement between the Asturian Government and Covadonga Tomé, an MP from the Mixed Group, to secure approval for the region’s 2026 budget.
At a press conference presenting the budget, Regional Minister for Finance and European Funds Guillermo Peláez said the decision to apply the tax will be left to local councils.
“We are simply providing the legal framework — the umbrella under which councils can choose whether to charge, or not charge, this tax,” he explained.
The tax is expected to apply to overnight visitors, but Peláez also mentioned cruise ship passengers. Councils that wish to do so will be able to charge those staying overnight in the city’s waters, adding a potential revenue stream for ports and local authorities.
Peláez stressed the importance of approaching the debate calmly.
“This represents a source of revenue that reflects a new reality,” he said, adding a warning against “pre-emptive criticism without knowing the full details of the tax.”
Tourism is a major driver of Asturias’ economy, attracting millions of visitors each year to its coastline, mountains, and historic towns. Officials say the tax will help fund local infrastructure, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and improve services for both residents and visitors.
Ultimately, councils will decide whether to adopt the tax. The Government provides the framework, but the final choice rests at a local level. The announcement is expected to spark debate among businesses, local authorities, and residents, as Asturias seeks to balance tourism growth with sustainable management of its popular destinations.