Catalan parliament approves doubling of tourist tax, 25 percent allocated to housing

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New legislation links tourism revenues with property market pressures

Catalonia’s regional parliament has approved legislation to double the tourist tax, introducing a significant fiscal adjustment aimed at addressing mounting strains on the housing market. A quarter of the revenue generated by the tax will be directed toward housing policies, reflecting growing political concern over the relationship between tourism growth and property affordability.

The measure was adopted with the support of the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), and the Comuns alliance. Junts, the Popular Party (PP), Vox, and Aliança Catalana voted against the proposal, while the Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) abstained.

Phased implementation across the region

Under the new framework, the tax increase will take effect in Barcelona in April. In the rest of Catalonia, the adjustment will be implemented gradually, with an initial rise this year and full application scheduled by April 2027.

Five-star hotels in Barcelona will experience the most pronounced increase. The base regional rate will rise from €3.50 to €7 per night. Combined with the municipal surcharge of €5, guests could face a total tax burden of €12 per night. Local authorities retain the option to raise the overall amount to €15.

The revised tax structure also affects lower-category hotels, tourist apartments, hostels, campsites, and cruise ship passengers.

Expanded powers for municipalities

A central component of the legislation introduces greater flexibility for municipalities. All local governments, not only Barcelona, are now permitted to impose a local surcharge of up to €4 per night, provided the additional charge does not exceed the base regional rate. Revenues from these surcharges will flow directly into municipal budgets.

The law further modifies administrative procedures by replacing the previous biannual payment system with a single annual collection period.

Housing policies as a new funding priority

Of the revenue collected by the regional government, 25 percent will be allocated to housing policies. Lawmakers supporting the measure argue that sustained tourism growth has intensified pressure on local housing markets, contributing to shortages and rising rental costs. The remaining 75 percent will continue to finance tourism promotion initiatives.

Supporters of the tax increase cite the sector’s robust performance. Catalonia recorded approximately 25 million visitors in 2025, generating an estimated €26 billion in tourism revenue. Annual tax income is projected to rise from €100 million to €200 million under the revised system.