Spain imposes tourist tax to reduce "poor tourists" and attract spending tourists

The popular destination in Spain's northwestern autonomous community of Galicia welcomed nearly 440,000 "pilgrims" in 2022. The average annual number of visitors here usually exceeds 300,000.

The pilgrimage route has several different routes, but all lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of St. James, son of Zebedee (or Santiago in Spanish) is said to be located. The tomb is believed to date back to the 7th century, but it was not until the 9th century that its exact location in Compostela was discovered. The tomb's fame quickly spread throughout Europe, and pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela began as early as the 10th century.

During her inauguration last month, the city's first female mayor, Goretti Sanmartín, announced plans to promote sustainable tourism and make Santiago de Compostela a better place for locals to live, according to Spanish news agency Europa Press.

Tax rates applied in Santiago de Compostela

The proposal for a tourist tax was presented to hotel representatives by former mayor Santiago Xosé Sánchez Bugallo in April, Spanish radio station La Cadena SER reported.

A regional tax that could be introduced in 2025 has been proposed. It would be charged by hotels as a nightly fee and could range from €0.50 to €2.50, depending on the type of accommodation.

It is estimated that Santiago could raise between 2.5 and 3 million euros a year in taxes, which would go towards maintaining the city's historical monuments.

Mayor Sanmartín reiterated this idea in his inaugural speech, which outlined plans to move towards 'conscious tourism' in the city.

“I want a Santiago that doesn’t struggle with uncontrolled tourism. We want a rich and prosperous tourism industry but also a city that is comfortable and easy to breathe,” the mayor said.

At the same time, she said that ensuring housing for local people will also be a priority.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is free to enter, but visitors can pay a fee of 12 euros for full access to the museum, tower and monastery.

Where else in Spain does a tourist tax apply?

Tourist taxes are not a new concept in Spain. Barcelona introduced a tourist fee in 2012 and it has been steadily increasing since then. In April 2024, it will rise to €3.25 per night.

Valencia also plans to introduce a tourist tax next year of between 0.5 and 2 euros to contribute to sustainable tourism.

Visitors to resorts in Spain's Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera) are also subject to the tax, which can be as high as €4 per night in peak season.

According to Vietnamnet