Spain is increasing its tourist tax in some of its most visited destinations, leaving travelers wondering how much extra they’ll need to budget for their next trip.
The biggest changes will be felt in Catalonia, including Barcelona, where rates are set to double in 2025, making hotel stays, cruises, and even short visits more expensive.
The tourist tax, also known as a sustainable tourism tax, is already applied in several Spanish regions to help fund infrastructure and manage the impact of mass tourism. However, the latest hikes are set to make Spain one of the pricier European destinations when it comes to tourism fees.
Catalonia Leads the Price Hike
The Catalan government has approved a significant increase in the regional tourist tax, meaning travelers staying in Barcelona could see their fees jump from €3.50 to €7 per night for luxury hotels, and from €1.70 to €3.40 for four-star accommodations. Cruise passengers will also face higher charges, with rates doubling from €3 to €6 for those staying less than 24 hours in the city.
Adding to this, Barcelona already has a municipal surcharge of €4 per night, which could also double, bringing the total tourist tax for high-end hotels to a staggering €15 per night. Outside of Barcelona, other destinations in Catalonia will also experience similar increases, with the highest rates reaching €10 per night for luxury accommodations.
Other Regions Following Suit
Catalonia isn’t the only region raising tourism taxes. The Balearic Islands, which include popular destinations such as Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, have long imposed a sustainable tourism tax, with charges ranging from €1 to €4 per night. While no major increases have been announced for the Balearic Islands yet, experts believe other Spanish regions might follow Catalonia’s lead.
Elsewhere in Spain, Santiago de Compostela and Toledo are introducing new tourist taxes in 2025, with fees ranging between €1 and €2.50 per person per night, depending on the type of accommodation. Toledo will also charge a fee for day-trippers arriving on organized bus tours, targeting visitors who don’t stay overnight.
What It Means for Travelers
For budget-conscious travelers, these tourism tax increases could make a noticeable difference in the total cost of a trip. A week-long stay in a Barcelona luxury hotel could now cost an additional €105 in taxes alone—a sharp rise compared to the current maximum of €49 per week.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some locals and officials arguing that higher fees will help manage overtourism and fund infrastructure projects. Others worry that these changes could drive visitors to alternative destinations in Europe, where taxes remain lower.
Will Other Cities Follow?
Spain’s decision to increase tourism taxes reflects a broader trend across Europe. Cities like Amsterdam, Venice, and Paris have introduced or raised similar fees in an effort to balance mass tourism with sustainability. With record-breaking tourist numbers in 2024, Spain may not be the last country to take such measures.
While these higher taxes won’t stop travelers from visiting Spain, they could encourage visitors to explore lesser-known regions, adjust their budgets, or shorten their stays. Whether this strategy will benefit the country’s tourism industry in the long run remains to be seen.
