Yahoo News 'Tourist tax' to double in major European destination - and it's not the only one
A major European holiday hotspot has been left reeling as the 'tourist tax' has doubled.
Portugal-bound tourists have been dealt a blow following news of significantly increased fees. Lisbon's overnight stay 'tourist tax' is set to double, following approval from city council.
The plan is now up for 30 days of consultation before being implemented, with all raised funds earmarked for the upkeep of the city's infrastructure. Mayor Carlos Moedas announced the tax hike from €2 (£1.40) per person/night to €4 per person (£3.40).
This adjustment would mean an extra £12 per individual on holiday costs, or a steep increase of £50 for a family of four. Four individuals spending seven nights in the city would be looking at a tourist tax of roughly £95.
Mayor Carlos Moedas stated: "Increasing the tourist tax is fair for Lisbon residents, it is fair for the city, so it's a decision I've taken, but obviously I want to do it with a great deal of consensus with those who are the most important people in the sector, from hotels to restaurants.", reports Wales Online.
He further added, "I'll always do everything I can to reduce taxes for Lisbon residents, I've done it with the reduction in IRS (personal income tax), which we're already at 4.5 per cent and, by the end of the mandate, we'll reach five per cent but at the same time tourists have to contribute more to our city."
The Amarante Municipal has introduced a new tourist tax starting from April 2024, where visitors will be expected to fork out €2 in the high season and €1 in the low season. The government's official gazette reveals that this levy is set to bolster funds for tourism-related activities endorsed by the Municipality of Amarante.
Tourists will face a charge of €2 per night from April 1 to September 30, while the fee drops to €1 per night from October to March when tourist traffic typically wanes. The income from this tourist tax is earmarked for enhancing the nation's tourism amenities.
Additionally, as of April, cruise passengers disembarking in Lisbon are now subject to a €2 tax. The Lisbon City Council explains that this fee applies "per passenger who disembarks from a cruise ship in transit, at the cruise ship terminals located in Lisbon" and is included in the sale, irrespective of whether the passengers opt for an overnight stay.
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