UK tourists in Portugal warned over new £95 family rule in 'war' on visitors

UK tourists in Portugal have been warned over a "war" on holidaymakers as the European Union holiday hotspot launches a crackdown and a popular city considers doubling a tourist tax. Visitor fees in Lisbon could skyrocket - in a fresh Cost of Living blow.

Mayor Carlos Moedas has warned the tax from €2 (£1.40) per person per night to €4 per person (£3.40). It would add an additional £12 per person to the cost of a holiday, or nearly £50 more than they are currently paying for a family of four.

The total amount of tourist tax would be around £95 for four people for a week. He said: “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.

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"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."

Responding to the warning, a Brit who frequently visits Portugal, which is popular with tourists including Porto, Lisbon, the Algarve and more, said: "Spain first now Portugal. Us Brits have helped build these countries up with tourism. It's such a shame.

"I was going to go to Portugal but if I'm not wanted, I guess I go where I am wanted." The tourist went on to say: "I get they don't want the kind that can't take their drink, but don't put us all under the same banner."