ONE of Spain's most popular holiday hotspots is to become more expensive for Brits as they concentrate on "quality tourism".
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Brit holidaymakers, particularly in the summer months, but things are going to get pricier.
Barcelona city council says it wants to bring in €53million (£47million) from a tourist tax in 2023, and is aiming for €100million (£88million) in 2024.
In 2022, the city's income from tourists was €33.3million (£29milion) and the objective is to triple this figure in just two years.
It means holidaymakers will have to dig deeper into their pockets and pay a higher rate of tourist tax for every night they stay in tourist accommodation such as hotels, apartments or holiday campsites.
The tax paid by those who sleep in the Catalan capital will be distributed between the Generalitat and the City Council.
Read More on Spain Holidays
Spain brings back Covid restrictions – here’s everything you need to know
Spain holiday warning – Brits face £2,600 fines due to new rules next year
Two years ago, the regional government approved an increase in the surcharge and said it would allow Barcelona city council to charge up to €4 (£3.50) a night.
This year, the maximum nightly charge a tourist will pay is €2.75 (£2.45) but this will rise to €3.25 (£2.90) from April 2024 and could increase even further.
In 2021, the maximum charge was €2.
Deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said: "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.
Most read in News Travel
I work at airport security & you shouldn't waste money on suitcase locks
Blackpool among UK’s most ‘dangerous’ beaches – but is your favourite?
Travel expert Lisa Minot reveals cheapest holidays to save you hundreds
Spain brings back Covid restrictions – here's everything you need to know
"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."
According to Collboni, after the pandemic "the debate on tourism in Barcelona has been rebalanced" since "everyone has seen the consequences of zero tourism and the harsh impact it has had on the city, with some districts suffering more than 50 per cent unemployment."
Mayoress of the city, Ada Colau said: "In 2024, our forecast is that with the municipal section of the tax – another part is received by the Generalitat – the city can enter €100m per year in the municipal budget as a result of tourist activity."
The aim is to plough the money back into city improvements, such as new escalators, elevators, buses on demand and maintenance of public roads.
The Valencia region of Spain is also set to go-ahead with a new tourist tax which will impact holidaymakers.
Local councils in the region have been given the go-ahead to apply a charge of up to €2 (£1.75) per person per night in a controversial move.
The tax will come into force from December 19, 2023.
Benidorm officials have distanced themselves from the tax, saying they will "never" impose it, but other areas of Valencia are keen on the idea.
It will be known as the Valencian Tax on Tourist Stays (IVET) and could bring in €30million (£26m) a year to spend on green projects.
In an unexpected move, the Valencia council has also extended the tourist tax to include cruise passengers.
The tax will have some exemptions, including children under 16 years of age and some disabled people.
Benidorm has yet to confirm its stance but in December 2022, its mayor, Toni Perez declared: "No and never! We will not apply it!"
He said asking holidaymakers to pay an extra fee per night when they are on holiday will "penalise tourist activity".
He added that Benidorm has always rejected the idea and will resist all efforts to apply it.
Read More on The Sun
Beloved Benidorm star looks unrecognisable 11 years on – and is dating co-star
I spent £100 taking kids to ‘dreamland’ children’s event – it was a rip-off
Meanwhile, this popular tourist destination is also going to implement new charges for visitors.
And here are 28 other locations also considering implementing new charges for holidaymakers.
Source: Read Full Article
