The European city has doubled its tourism tax (Image: Getty Images)
A hugely popular city that welcomes millions of Brits every year has doubled its tourism tax, making it the highest in Europe.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia in northeastern Spain, is a haven for Brits seeking a weekend or summer getaway, with its blend of vibrant city life, Mediterranean beaches, and iconic architecture. But from April 2026, visitors will be hit with an increase in the tourism tax, with a fee of up to £10.91 (€12.50) per night for holiday rentals, up from £5.45 (€6.25), as it doubles.
However, those opting to stay in a hotel in Barcelona will also be hit by an increase in the tourism tax. Previously, tourists would pay between £4.36 (€5) and £6.54 (€7.50) per night during a hotel stay, but from April, they will now be required to pay between £8.73 (€10) and £13 (€15) per night.
Barcelona attracts millions of tourists every year (Image: Getty Images)
The price hike could see a couple pay an extra £91 for a seven-night stay, or around £40 for a two-night stay. The fees can vary by hotel and category, with those staying in a five-star hotel in Barcelona expected to pay more.
This significant increase comes as the city attempts to manage overtourism and combat its housing issues for residents. With the city drawing in around 16 million tourists last year alone, a 2.9 per cent increase from 2024, overcrowding has been a continuous issue, and residents say they are being driven out of their communities as more holiday rentals appear to accommodate the influx of holidaymakers.
Some of the revenue from tourism taxes will help Barcelona convert tourist flats into residential homes and support public transport, safety, and climate projects that have been impacted by tourism. The increase also comes after Barcelona announced plans to end all short‑term holiday rentals by 2028.
Following the news, some travellers agree with the increase, while others aren’t sure. One commented in a post: “They should keep increasing the amount to limit the tourists, they can then invest in all the ills of society that the tourists complain about, and then the tourists will be happy to pay more. Barcelona is one of the great cities of the world, people will pay, and society needs investment.”
The change is to help manage overtourism and housing issues (Image: Getty Images)
While another suggested: “They need better rules against rent pricing, better rent price control, and to stop short-term rentals. I think the latter is the only one with traction for now.”
One more also voiced: “While I would agree that regulation seems necessary, the issue doesn’t seem to be as simple as young foreigners paying posted accommodation prices (which are, as you noted.. very high).
A Spanish resident also voiced: “I think there should be an exemption for residents/Catalan people. I am from Barcelona, and my family still lives there. I have stayed at hotels when visiting for convenience, and it pains me to pay the tourist tax – I’m not a tourist! Then I go to Madrid and no tourism taxes at all.”
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
