barcelona tourist tax 2022

This popular European city is the latest to increase its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Barcelona is the latest European city to increase its city-wide tourist tax, a slight increase of €0.50 (about $0.53) per night, as the city seeks to curb overtourism. 

The new price of €3.25 (about $3.45) was implemented on April 1 as part of the Stays in Tourist Establishments Tax . The bylaw was introduced in 2021, when the tourist tax was €0.75 (around $0.80) per night, and gradually increased the tax each year through 2024. Now, if someone is staying in Barcelona for seven nights, the new total tax amount will be €22.75 (around $24).

“It was the objective sought: to contain the number of tourists and increase tourist income because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city,” deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said in March, according to Euronews . 

The tax is added to a tourist’s accommodations bill when they stay at official tourist establishments in the city. The money goes toward enhancing the city’s infrastructure, such as improving roads. 

Other popular European destinations, such as Amsterdam and Venice, also recently increased tourist taxes for similar reasons. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Are tourist taxes the future of travel? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

“The new and increasing tourist fees across Europe allow cities to fund measures to attract more vacationers, support the local infrastructure and businesses, as well as preventing damages from overtourism,” Tiffany Mealiff, a travel insurance expert at Quotezone , said in a statement to USA TODAY.

However, Barcelona visitors have had to pay a regional tourist tax since 2012, according to Euronews . This tax amount depends on a traveler’s accommodation type, costing more if someone is staying at a luxury hotel than an Airbnb. 

Barcelona continues to reign as Spain’s most popular tourist destination. In 2022, Barcelona welcomed 9.7 million tourists , just slightly below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the Barcelona City Council. However, tourists were found to be staying in the city longer than in 2019. 

In 2022, the city also sought to cap the number of people in a tour group and ban megaphones by tour guides in an effort to curb the disruptive effects of overtourism. 

Travelers planning their European getaway should be mindful of the additional costs that “are often not obvious beforehand,” according to Mealiff, as they plan their trip budgets.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Costa Brava Tourist Guide

Catalonia tourist tax, tourist tax in barcelona and the rest of catalonia.

CostaBravaTouristGuide.com — The autonomous Spanish community of Catalonia, whose Costa Brava is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, has levied a tourist tax since November 1, 2012. The Catalan tourism tax applies to all establishments where tourists stay – from campsites and youth hostels to hotels and cruise ships. Holiday apartments and private homes rented to tourists are also affected by the tax.

Catalonia Tourist Tax: 2023 Rates

This information was last updated on September 17, 2023, and is still current on May 4, 2024 .

Tourist Tax Chart: Explanation

The amount you pay depends on the type of facility you are staying at and whether you are staying in Barcelona or elsewhere in Catalonia.

“ Dwelling for tourist use “: these are dwellings rented directly or indirectly by the owner to third parties, repeatedly and for a fee, for an uninterrupted period of up to 31 days. For example, Airbnb or Wimdu.

“ Other establishments “: Hotels or hostels with 3 stars or less, youth hostels, rural accommodation, campsites that do not belong to the “luxury” sector.

Important additional information:

• The tourist tax is charged per person, per night
• The tax is charged only for the first seven nights of your stay — in the same accommodation over a continuous period. (If you stay in more than one establishment during your visit, you pay tourist tax over the first seven nights in each of the establishments.)
• People aged 16 and younger are not charged tourist tax
• Your tourist accommodation must provided you with an itemized invoice, detailing the tax rate used and the number of nights over which it is charged
• The tourist tax is subject to a 10% VAT (Value Added Tax; Spanish : IVA; Catalan : L’IVA) charge

How to pay the tax

You pay your tourist tax (and, if in Barcelona, the extra city tax as well) at your accommodation. The hotel (or other lodging establishment) is required to provide an itemized bill that clearly and separately shows the amount of tax collected. We have heard that some tour operators claim that local taxes are already included in your vacation package. In this case, you should obtain (and bring with you) an itemized bill.

Were you charged more than the listed rates?

From time to time we hear of people facing higher fees than those listed above, with some accommodations also quoting an additional “hotel tax.”

However, according to the Generalitat de Catalunya – the government of Catalonia – there are no additional taxes (other than the normal 10% VAT on the total bill) that apply to tourists.

If your hotel charges higher prices under the guise of “tourist tax” or charges you an additional “hotel tax” or “bed tax”, you are being ripped off.

If you believe this is the case, remain calm and polite. However, contact the Ajuntament (town hall), a police station or the local tourist office and ask for help.

Costa Brava Tourist Tax?

Some people ask us about Costa Brava Tourist Tax rates. The Costa Brava is part of Catalonia, and does not have a different tax rate. Note that the city of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, does levy higher tourist stay fees, plus an additional city tax.

Most countries charge a tourist tax

When the tourism tax was originally proposed, hotel operators and others in the travel industry were upset. They feared that tourists would choose another vacation spot. And they balked at the effort and expense of updating hotel management software. Some tourists were upset, too. Some hotheads called for a boycott – or at least threatened never to vacation in Catalonia again. However, the Generalitat de Catalunya – the government of Catalonia – rightly points out that most countries, regions or cities in Europe and the rest of the world levy tourist taxes. The government also predicted that the tax revenue would actually bring more tourists to this part of Spain.

Tourist tax earmarked for promotion, tourism-related infrastructure

In fact, the revenues are divided between the Catalan Tourism Agency, the local tourism associations and the town halls.

Not that the region is doing badly: before the COVID-19, Catalonia’s 7.5 million inhabitants were joined by 16 million visitors a year, almost half of them in the summer.

However, the promotion of tourism in the region ( referred to as a “country” by the community’s government) is still necessary. This is all the more true since the coronavirus pandemic has decimated tourism worldwide.

In addition to promotion, tax revenues are also used for the maintenance and development of “tourism-related infrastructure.” Think, for example, of the upkeep of beach promenades or the reconstruction of beaches after storm damage.

It also includes maintenance of roads, beaches and natural areas. It even pays part of the salaries for extra police hours at events like the famous annual Blanes International Fireworks Festival .

The Catalan Tourist Board promotes Catalonia through Spain, Europe, and the rest of the world.

“Why should I have to pay tourist tax? That’s not fair!”

Some tourists balk at paying a tourist tax. They claim that since they already spend money on hotels, bars, and restaurants, they should not have to “fork out” more money.

However, it would not be fair to ask locals and businesses to pay all the costs associated with the tourism industry. The tax is a small price to pay in return for clean beaches, well-maintained roads and good facilities.

Note that Catalan and Spanish visitors are also asked to pay.

Incidentally, the Generalitat says that for 96% of tourists visiting Catalonia, the tax represents only about 1% of total spending.

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© Copyright 2023 CostaBravaTouristGuide.com. May not be republished. Links encouraged.

This article was first published on November 8, 2012. We take care in keeping it up-to-date. The last update occurred on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

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26 Comments

If a tourist holidays on more than one occasion in a year,does the tourist have to pay more than once

Yes, the tourist tax is charged on each visit you make — but only for the first seven nights of each stay.

As a frequent British Tourist, having Spain as my main holiday location, I am appalled at this Tourist Tax charge! Spain, having no natural resources of its own – such as oil, gold, silver, copper, etc – depends completely on the Tourist, and heavily on the British Tourist, to boost its economy. Therefore, it is a complete INSULT to the Tourist/Holiday-maker to exploit us as we pay the lion’s share to maintain the Spanish economy. It is akin to biting the hand that feeds you, and as such I will never pay this tax, and go elsewhere for my holidays. I and my family and friends will NOT be held ransom by such a stealth tax. Disgusted British Holiday-maker.

Oh boy, where do I start, Mr. C. McClinton?

First, Spain has many natural resources. Google is your friend, so look it up.

Many countries, regions, and cities throughout the world charge tourist tax. Doing so benefits tourists (read the article you are commenting on), and also helps create more jobs, which in turn helps the local population.

As a Christian (I checked your name and email address and read your testimony) you should not begrudge it when people who find themselves in an economical tight spot find a legal way to help both themselves and others. Besides, taxation is a fact of life, and you know what Jesus said on the subject.

You are free to go elsewhere, of course, but the list of countries and places that charge a tourism or hotel tax is growing, so your options are dwindling. Boycotting Spain is as silly as not buying goods at stores in Ulster because they charge a sales tax.

That said, tourism is Spain — and in Catalonia in particular. Catalonia has seen a 2.3% increase in visitors compared to last year.

Are these prices set in stone with regards to the tax? The apartments I am staying at in Salou on Saturday apparently charge 3 euro per adult per night?

@Lee: I believe that Salou, like some other towns and municipalities throughout Catalonia (and the rest of Spain) does charge a local hotel tax in addition to the Catalonia-wide tax.

You may want to check with the tourist office or with the adjuntament (city hall) to see whether you are being over-charged.

I am now told that this tax is applicable to those over 12 years old (recently stayed at AC Suites by Marriott) and was charged for 3 people (inc 13 yr old). Was I overcharged or is this a chance to update your website?

I was not told about this tax before I booked my holiday, had I known I would have gone somewhere else. Fleecing tourists who already work hard and save hard for their annual holiday is not a good way to be doing business. I already pay enough tax on my earnings. I have only been to one country which charges a tourist tax and I won’t be going there again. However, I’m glad the tax was not hidden by the hotels in their charges.

@Cheesed off holidaymaker. Your email address indicates you live in the UK. And your comments show that you haven’t traveled much.

As for ‘fleecing tourists,’ take a look at this May, 2015 article published by The Telegraph (UK): http://j.mp/UKtouristtax . It is titled, “Only one country has higher tourism taxes than the UK” and the sub-header says, “The World Economic Forum’s travel report ranks the UK 140th out of 141 countries for cost competitiveness in the tourism industry.”

See also, Why is UK hotel VAT so high? http://j.mp/UKhotelVAT Note the chart.

Spain’s hotel/tourist tax is very reasonable. Our article above indicates what the income from the tax is used for, showing that tourists such as yourself benefit from improved facilities, clean beaches, good roads and transportation, safety measures, and a whole lot more — all without you and your vacationing family becoming a burden to the native population.

@Richard Golding: I think you were overcharged. The official information published by the Government of Catalonia says that children aged 16 and under are exempt.

Hi there. Great article and very helpful, however could I ask you. If I am a resident of catalonia, do I have to pay the tourist tax? Many thanks.

Yes Chris, as is the case in the vast majority of countries that levy tourist tax, residents are subject to those fees as well. That is because local visitors have pretty much the same impact as visitors from abroad.

If 1000 people spend a weekend in Barcelona, it makes little to no difference whether they came from Girona or London. In either case, Barcelona spends money for the upkeep of roads, safety measures, public transport, law enforcement, et cetera.

TOURIST TAX THANKS BUT NO THANKS Spain should be encouraging people to visit Hotels not taxing them,.If they do not want our money that i s ok by me,. i can spend mine where I want.So, good by Spain I will go next door to Portugal

Portugal is a nice country indeed. But like countless other countries, it has a tourist tax. Just not as high a tax as the UK — your own country — levies.

Note: Only one country has higher tourism taxes than the UK . The article says, “The World Economic Forum’s travel report ranks the UK 140th out of 141 countries for cost competitiveness in the tourism industry.”

The reasons behind tourist taxes are well-explained in the article. Both tourists and the locals benefit from them.

Since more and more countries levy a tax on tourism, you may have to simply vacation in your own backyard.

Say goodbye to your tourist industry Spain.

That’s a very strange comment, Frank. You did not read the article correctly. First, your IP number identifies you as being in the UK. See this comment , in which I provide a link to an article that shows “only one country has higher tourism tax rates than the UK.” Have you noticed any decrease in tourism at home?

Second, what does tourism in Spain have to do with tourism in Catalonia? Catalonia is one of 17 autonomous communities in Spain . It is, for now, the only Spanish community that charges a tourist tax. Other may well follow soon though, given the success of the tax — and the purpose of the tax ( read the article).

Third, you are wrong. Tourism in Catalonia is way up with record-breaking numbers, as is tourism in all of Spain .

Hi. If we are staying in a house booked privately, 2 adults, 2 children this summer for a fortnight, near Rhonda Valley who do I need to pay the tax to and how do I go about it please?

Interesting article, thank you for sharing xx

Hi Sarah, you would pay the tax rate listed under ‘others’ . The person or company your rent the house from should add the charge to your bill, listed as a separate item. If the charge was not part of the original booking, you may be charged upon arrival. Applying the tourist tax charge is the responsibility of the person or company you rent from. Have a nice vacation!

I booked through Jet2holidays and they did not mention the tourist tax either until it appeared on our booking confirmation and it appears we have to pay this amount separately (shame on Jet2holidays for forgetting to mention this). However, having said that less than one euro a night for a maximum of seven nights of our stay is not a life changing amount. I read with amusement some of the previous comments – some countries charge a lot more for you to enter or leave and that doesn’t stop people going there! Am really looking forward to my holidays soon.

Hello, The owner of the airbnb I am staying at says we need to pay the 2.25 for all 12 nights but this website and another website I have been on say you pay it for only the first 7 nights. The owner is being very difficult and is now shouting at us on the airbnb site. Please clarify for me. I am not being difficult, but I did do my research and can’t find anywhere that you pay the tax beyond 7 nights. Thank You.

The owner is wrong. You pay tourist tax over the first 7 nights of your (continuous) stay in one place. Only if you were to move to another place, say another Airbnb or a hotel, then you would have to again pay for up to 7 nights.

Stay tax of €25.00 per night, per person will be due to the owner upon arrival. Does not apply to children under 18 years. I booked a VRBO and had a total bill i paid and said no refund and this came up . It says 25.00 that is way different than 2.25. that is almost $1000 after the exchange?

That does not sound right at all. Note that the owner must by law provide you with an itemized bill showing exactly how much was charged in tourist tax. This is true even you you paid ahead through a different company.

The rates listed on our website, in this article, are correct.

I am abit confused, from the table does it mean that if I stay in 4 star hotel in Barcelona it will be 1.7+1.75 intotal 3.75 euro before vat?

That’s right, Abby. Currently when you stay in a 4-star hotel in Barcelona, you pay:

– €1.70 in tourist tax, plus – €1.75 in city tax, plus – 10% VAT over these amounts

Note that next year the city tax for a 4-star hotel will be €2.75, and in 2024 the rate will be €3.25

Thanks for the response, as i have been getting vague answers and I needed to budget for spending.

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Tourist Tax in Barcelona – WHY, FOR WHO and WHAT IS IT?

Tourist tax in Barcelona is one of the most controversial topics to talk about when it concerns your holiday destination, and this tax is still something we have to get used to. The tax measure came into effect in Catalonia in 2012, and it is still in force today.

Any tourist rental property must apply this tax and add it to its tourist rent, and subsequently it must be paid to the city council. In this article we will explain more on tourist tax in Barcelona, and whether you are a tourist or rental property owner, we hope to take away any doubts or questions on the subject.

Table of Contents

Tourist tax in Catalonia

First and foremost, you must be aware that Barcelona levies a tourist tax, and the main reason for this is that the autonomous community of Catalonia has a tax for all tourist accommodations in the region.

The hight of the tax depends on the type of accommodation your are staying in and the location of the accommodation, and the fee is therefore different in Barcelona compared to the rest of Catalonia. The name of the tourist tax is officially Impuesto sobre las Estancias en Establecimientos Turísticos (or IEET).

What does tourist tax in Barcelona mean?

Barcelona’s tourist tax is an extra tax levied on your stay in a tourist accommodation, but only in the city of Barcelona. Prices vary depending on the type of your chosen accommodation.

The tax is, however, limited to a maximum of seven days per person , and the stay must be in the same accommodation and without any interruption.

Children under the age of 16 are exempt from paying this tourist tax.

Related article:  Free Tours in Barcelona; Discover The City’s Secrets

How much tourist tax must be paid in Barcelona?

As of April 1, 2024, tourist tax in Barcelona is as shown in the table below.

Source: GENCAT

As of April 1, 2024, the surcharge by Barcelona City will be 3,25€.

Who pays this tourist tax?

Tourist taxes must be included and shown in the price that is paid by guests. The amount must be mentioned clearly on the invoice. The cost of the accommodation must be stated, and the amount of the tourist tax must be clarified separately. It must include the number of days and the tax code of the type of accommodation.

Pay tourist tax in Barcelona

How and when must tourist tax be settled with the administration?

The tourist tax in Barcelona (or any other Catalan town) must be settled online with the Agència Tributària de Catalunya .  Tourist tax must be declared and paid every six months , and at the start of every half year you will get 20 days to complete the declaration and payment process.

Tourist tax is levied on customers and guests , but it is ultimately up to the owner of the accommodation to comply with tax regulations and submit corresponding taxes.

Hopefully we have been able to answer all of your questions on tourist tax in Barcelona in 2024. If we haven’t, don’t hesitate and contact ShBarcelona . We are here to help you any way we can.

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About the author.

Daniella enjoys everything the city of Barcelona has to offer. She writes, translates and loves discovering Catalonia and its beautiful nature.

So what you are saying is an Airbnb host may not demand an extra cash charge not listed in the total invoice?

What an unwelcoming way to greet new tourists to your country. I paid the most I’ve ever paid for accommodations for my family to stay in an Airbnb in Barcelona. After the final payment has gone through, I realize that I will have to pay an extra 150 euros for my family for 5 nights. That’s simply outrageous. A couple dollars a night is one thing, but I’ve never heard of such a gauging tax. Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth regarding ever coming back here again.

Where I can find a territory of Barcelona tax fee? I want to book the property in the nearest place to avoid this tax. And what does it mean “he stay must be in the same accommodation and without any interruption.”? I can`t change my accommodation during 7 days stay?

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Tourist Tax in Barcelona

Ever heard about tourist taxes? It’s a controversial topic when it comes to vacation destinations.

Barcelona’s tourist tax is a measure that came to Catalonia in 2012 and is still in force.

Any vacation rental property must apply this tax in its rates to pay it later to the public entity. But do not think that it is something discriminatory, the locals also have to pay tourist tax too.

Let’s clear all the doubts about this tax, whether you are a tourist or a rental property owner.

The tourist tax in Catalonia

As an autonomous community, Catalonia currently has a tax for all tourist stays in the territory .

It’s known as Impuesto sobre las Estancias en Establecimientos Turísticos (IEET) – Tax on Stays in Tourist Establishments. These fees vary according to the type of accommodation and its location, so Barcelona has its own taxes , varying from the rest of Catalonia.

What is the Barcelona tourist tax?

The Barcelona tourist tax is a tax that falls on stays in tourist accommodation exclusively in the city of Barcelona. Depending on the type of accommodation, the City Council has established different rates.

This tax is limited to a maximum of seven days per person , provided it is within the same accommodation and all days in a row.

How much is the tourist tax in Barcelona?

From April 1, 2022 , the tourist tax in Barcelona adopted the following rates*:

• 5-star hotel , luxury campsite and facilities of equivalent category (EB1): €5,25
• 4-star hotel or similar (EB2): €3,45
• Housing for tourist use (EB4): €4
• Other establishments and facilities (EB3): €2,75

*These rates include a Barcelona City Council surcharge of €1.75 in force from April 1, 2022. Then it will rise to €2.75 from 04.01.2023 to 03.31.2024, and €3.25 from 04.01.2024 onwards.

Do I have to pay the tourist tax?

The tourist tax must appear in the final price charged to guests. This must clearly appear as a separate charge on the invoice.

So, the cost of the service itself and the amount of the fee are indicated separately, indicating the days or fractions to which it is adjusted and the type of tax applied.

Tourist tax payment exceptions

There are cases in which it is not necessary to pay the tourist tax .

Kids under 16 years old or tourists who arrive in the city with a public subsidy from any European state will be exempt from paying this tax , as will those who have been displaced due to force majeure or health reasons.

You can check the rates on the official website of the Catalan tax agency .

Other Barcelona city taxes

If you are a Barcelona resident, ​​you must be aware of other city taxes that you must comply with as a citizen. These may include taxes on vehicles, real estate, inheritance or donations, among others.

Stay up to date for 2023 taxes checking the tax agency of Catalonia website.

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Surcharge on the tourist tax to start being applied from June 2021

23/12/2020 15:43 h

The surcharge will be applied progressively as from next summer, with gradual increases over four consecutive years:

• 2021 : increase of 75 centimes
• 2022 : increase of 1 euro
• 2023 : increase of 1 euro
• 2024 : increase of 1,25 euros

The revenue raised by the on the tax on overnight stays in tourist accommodation goes to the municipal coffers and has been used this year to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 crisis , and to drive the economic recovery in key sectors such as tourism, commerce and culture.

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15/12/2020 15:54 h

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Barcelona’s Tourist Tax Just Got Higher. Here Are Other Places That Will Cost You To Enter In 2024

Barcelona, one of Spain’s most visited cities , has just announced another hike in its tourist tax. This increase comes after multiple tourist destinations have implemented visitor fees in response to the problems caused by excessive tourism .

Overtourism, characterized by an overwhelming number of visitors that exceeds a location’s capacity, has led to increased environmental degradation, infrastructure strain, and a diminished quality of life for residents. Several cities and countries have implemented or increased tourist taxes to mitigate these effects. The funds also typically support necessary infrastructure and environmental protection projects.

The Rising Cost of Barcelona’s Welcome

Barcelona raised its tourist tax for the first time since 2022. The increase signals a continued effort to control the number of visitors. Since introducing the tax in 2012, the city has utilized these funds for essential infrastructure, including bus routes and roadwork. As of April 2024, the municipal fee has increased to $3.52 (€3.25) per night, up from $2.98 (€2.75) in 2023.

This tax applies to every visitor staying in official tourist accommodations. Guests will pay $3.79 (€3.50) per night for five-star and luxury hotels, $2.43 (€2.25) for holiday rentals like Airbnb, and $1.84 (€1.70) for four-star hotels. Meanwhile, cruise passengers must pay 3 euros ($3.25) for city tours shorter than 12 hours and 2 euros ($2.17) for longer ones.

Tourist Taxes Around the World

Barcelona is not alone in its approach. Various tourist hotspots worldwide have adopted similar measures . These destinations have introduced or increased tourist taxes to preserve their natural and cultural assets while ensuring that visitors contribute their fair share to the upkeep of these places.

Portimão and Olhão in Portugal have introduced a tourist tax that differs from high to low season. Charges vary from $2.13 (€2) per night starting from April to October and $1.07 (€1) per night from November to March. Children under 16 are exempt, and the tax is capped at five nights. This means the maximum additional cost per trip is $10.65, or €10.

In light of the upcoming 2024 Olympics , France also has significantly increased its tourist tax on hotel rooms by 200 percent as of January 2024. Depending on the city, the tax can reach up to 15 euros per night, or $15.98. This fee is a substantial increase to fund the expected influx of visitors and the related infrastructure needs.

Likewise, visitors to Bali must pay a fee of approximately $8.52 upon entry, collected at Ngurah Rai International Airport. This tax is designated for environmental protection projects, addressing the impact of decades of over-tourism on the island’s natural beauty.

After years of debate, Venice has also decided to charge an entrance fee of €5 to visitors on weekends and peak days between April and mid-July. The cost is applicable during peak hours to minimize queues and encourage more extended stays rather than day trips.

Looking Ahead

As tourist taxes become more prevalent, travelers must stay informed about the additional costs of visiting certain destinations . These taxes reflect the broader trend towards sustainability and responsible travel, emphasizing the need for travelers to contribute to the preservation and upkeep of the places they visit.

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Complete Guide to the Tourist Tax in Catalonia

• Post author By Valery Saavedra
• Post date 05/10/2022
• No Comments on Complete Guide to the Tourist Tax in Catalonia

One of the most controversial issues among holiday rental owners in the region of Catalonia is undoubtedly the tourist tax that was approved in 2012. The region was the pioneer in implementing this tax, which fuelled criticism for months in the Spanish tourism sector. However, the tourist tax is now reaching new cities around the world – after Paris, Barcelona or Rome, Seville is next, and many other cities are following this trend.

If you are currently managing or planning to launch a holiday rental business in the region, you are bound to be concerned about the formalities and characteristics of this Tourist Tax in Catalonia.

In 2019 we had already written an article to help our readers understand the Tourist Tax in Catalonia . However, over the last few years, the rate has increased and some more details have appeared. For this reason, and because the Tourist Tax in Barcelona will change again in 2024, according to the Barcelona City Council. Chekin has decided to write this article to help you understand the amounts, charges and characteristics of the Tourist Tax.

The tourist tax in Catalonia: What is it?

The tourist tax or tax on Stays in Tourist Establishments in Catalonia (IEET), according to Barcelona City Council , is a regional tax that people staying in regulated tourist accommodation pay during their stay.

This tax was introduced in 2012 in Catalonia. However, the amount of the tax payable by guests has changed over the last 10 years. Largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barcelona City Council stated that if the health conditions due to the COVID-19 crisis remained favourable, the surcharge on the tourist tax would start to be applied progressively from 2021, and the amount to be paid per person would increase in 2024.

But then, how much is the tourist tax in Catalonia?

How much is the tourist tax in Catalonia?

Currently, the tourist tax is between €0.60 and €3.50 per person and per unit of stay. However, the rates can change depending on the type of tourist accommodation and its location. That is, if it is located in Barcelona or elsewhere in Catalonia.

An example of a variation in rates could be in the case of a 5-star hotel. In 5-star hotels, guests will have to pay a fee of €3.50 per night, while in tourist accommodation, they would only have to pay €2.25. These prices are the general ones for Catalonia, but in case of being in Barcelona, the guest will be subject to a different surcharge by the Barcelona City Council.

This surcharge, as explained above, is not fixed. It will change depending on the type of accommodation in which the guest is staying. Moreover, as we explained in the introduction of the article, there will be a periodical increase of this tax, until 2024. According to the information shared by the Barcelona City Council, this increase will reach a maximum surcharge of 3,25€.

Tourist tax in Catalonia: Exceptions to be aware of

There are exceptions that you should be aware of. For example, the Generalitat Catalana does not oblige people under 17 years of age and travelers with a subsidy programme from a public administration in Europe to pay this fee. Therefore, these people do not have to pay the Tourist Tax in Catalonia.

It is also important to know that the Generalitat limits the payment of the tax to a maximum total of 7 days (or units of stay) per person, in the same accommodation and for a continuous period.

Guide to tourist tax rates in Catalonia

As previously explained, the amounts to be paid are different between Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia. First we will show you the tourist tax rates for Catalonia , and then for Barcelona.

• EB4 Housing for tourist use = 1,00€.
• EB1 5-star hotels, luxury campsites, luxury campsites or establishments of the same category = 3,00€.
• EB2 4-star hotels and 4-star superior hotels, or establishments of a similar category = 1,20€ EB3 Other establishments = 0,00€.
• EB3 Other establishments = 0,60€.

On the other hand, in the case of cruise ship type accommodation, these rates also apply. But the price is calculated on an hourly basis.

• CR1: More than 12 hours = 3,00€.
• CR2: 12 hours or less = 1,00€.

Finally, these rates will change in 2024. Important to set an alarm for 2 years from now 😉.

Guide to the tourist tax rates in Barcelona

In the meantime, the new tourist tax rates in Barcelona are as follows. As you will see, they are more expensive than those established for the rest of Catalonia.

• EB4 : Housing for tourist use = 4,00€.
• EB1 : 5 star hotels, luxury hotels, luxury campsites or equivalent category establishments = 5,25€.
• EB2: 4-star and 4-star superior hotel, and establishment or equipment of equivalent category = 3,45€ EB3: Other establishments and equipment of equivalent category = 3,45€.
• EB3: Other establishments and facilities = 2,70€. 

For cruise boats:

• CR1: More than 12h = 4,70€.
• CR2: 12 hours or less = 2,70€.

Special rates: Details and tariffs

The Generalitat de Catalunya has established special rates to be applied for stays in establishments, which within a tourist recreation centre, are located in areas where gambling or betting activities are allowed.

Therefore, the rates for these special cases are as follows:

• TE1: 5-star hotels, luxury hotels, luxury campsites and establishments of equivalent category = 5,00€.
• TE2: 4-star and 4-star superior hotel, and establishment or equipment of equivalent category = 3,50€.
• TE3: Remaining establishments and facilities = 2,50€ TE3: Remaining establishments and facilities = 2,50€.

How to collect and pay the tourist tax?

• Collecting the tourist tax

If you are the owner of one or more tourist accommodation in Catalonia, you are obliged to charge the tourist tax to your guests. In order to collect the tourist tax, you will have to indicate on the invoice you issue to your guests, separately from the consideration for your services, the exact amount of the tax. You will have to indicate on the invoice the number of units of stay (days or fractions) and the tax rate applied.

For example, if your guests have paid for their stay through an intermediary, such as an OTA. You should also invoice the cost of the tax, even if it is the only reason for the invoice. Here you can find an article on everything you need to know about OTAs .

• Paying the tourist tax

The tourist tax is paid online, regardless of the method of payment used. To pay the tax, you will have to fill in Model 950. You can do this using a web form provided by the Catalan Tax Agency.

Model 950 can be complicated to understand. Do not hesitate to read our explanatory article on form 950.

The tourist tax is settled electronically, regardless of the payment method used. In order to pay the tax, you will have to fill in form 950 using a web form provided by the Catalan Tax Agency.

Model 950 can be complicated to understand. Do not hesitate to read our explanatory article on Model 950 .

Settlement deadlines for the tourist tax in Catalonia in 2022

The settlement of the Catalan tourist tax must be presented every six months, in the course of two specific periods of 20 days.

• 1 to 20 April: Deadline for the self-assessment of stays that have taken place between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022.
• 1 and 20 October: For the period from 1 April to 30 September.

In addition, there are solutions today that allow owners or managers of tourist accommodation to automate the entire process of calculating and paying tourist taxes . We present the Chekin solution , which allows you to save time by automating the entire check-in process, thus improving the guest experience.

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Barcelona is increasing its tourist tax next week - here’s how much you’ll have to pay from April

Barcelona’s tourist tax is set to rise once again on 1 April.

Since 2012, the visitor hotspot has added an extra fee on top of the region-wide tourist tax.

In 2022, city authorities announced that the fee would be increased over the next two years.

The city’s surcharge varies depending on the type of visitor accommodation and is only levied on official tourist lodging.

Barcelona is Spain ’s most visited city and continues to struggle with overtourism.

How much is Barcelona’s tourist tax?

Visitors to Barcelona have to pay both the regional tourist tax and the city-wide surcharge.

The regional tax varies depending on the type of accommodation you are staying in. For four-star hotels it is €1.70, for rental accommodation like Airbnb it is €2.25, and for five-star and luxury hotels it is €3.50.

Cruise passengers spending less than 12 hours in the city pay €3 to the region, while those spending more than 12 hours pay €2.

The city tax, which applies to a maximum seven-night stay, has been steadily increasing. In April 2023, it rose from €1.75 to €2.75 for all types of stay. From April 2024, it will increase once again to €3.25.

What does that mean for accommodation prices in Barcelona in 2024?

As of 1 April 2024, visitors to Barcelona will have to pay €3.25 to the city on top of the regional tourist tax - an increase of €0.50 per night.

That means guests in five-star accommodation will pay a total of €6.75 per night - €47.25 per person for a week’s stay.

In rental accommodation, the fees add up to €5.50 per night or €38.50 for a week-long stay, on top of the nightly cost of the accommodation.

Cruise day-trippers will pay €6.25. The idea behind this is to encourage “quality” tourism over big numbers, according to the city mayor.

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Why does Barcelona have a tourist tax?

Barcelona’s authorities have said the increased tourist tax aims to attract ‘quality’ tourism over big visitor numbers.

The city sees an average of 32 million visitors a year, many of whom arrive on cruise ships.

In 2022, the Catalan capital launched new measures to curb disruption from guided tours including noise restrictions and one-way systems.

The hike in the tourist tax, which is divided between Barcelona ’s Generalitat and the City Council, will also bolster the city’s budget.

• Overtourism: From Venice to Marseilles, here’s how European travel hotspots are tackling overtourism

Authorities hope the fee will bring in as much as €100 million in 2024.

“The economic data for tourism in 2019 is already increasing, not in the number of tourists, but in the amount of income from tourism in Barcelona,” deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said.

“It was the objective sought: to contain the number of tourists and increase tourist income because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city.”

The council said the proceeds would be used to fund the city’s infrastructure, including improvements to roads, bus services and escalators.

What other Spanish cities have a tourist tax?

Barcelona isn’t the only tourist hot spot in Spain taxing visitors to cope with their impact.

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza , Formentera), charges a nightly fee of €1-4 for each holidaymaker aged 16. Known as the Sustainable Tourism Tax, it is used to promote better tourism practices and conserve the islands’ nature.

Valencia planned to introduce a similar measure at the end of last year, but it was scrapped following the 2023 elections. It would have seen travellers pay between 50 cents and €2 per night for up to seven nights.

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