Spain’s Barcelona has raised its tourist tax to one of the highest in Europe, increasing hotel and holiday rental fees to help curb visitor numbers and ease pressure on the housing market.
Spain’s Barcelona has increased its tourism levy, making it one of the highest in Europe, as authorities aim to curb visitor numbers and support affordable housing.
From April, hotel guests will pay between EUR 10–15 per night, up from EUR 5 – 7.50 depending on the hotel category.
Holiday rental guests will see charges double to a maximum of EUR 12.50 per night, under a Catalonia law addressing resident concerns over rising housing costs linked to short-term lets.
The region plans to phase out all short-term rentals by 2028. A two-night stay for two at a typical four-star hotel could now add around EUR 45.60 to the bill.
