The PSC, ERC and Comuns agree to increase the tourist tax in Catalonia

The Catalan Socialist Party (PSC), the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), and the Comuns party have reached an agreement to increase the tourist tax in Catalonia. This measure was initially promoted by the Catalan government after reaching an agreement with the Comuns in February of last year, but it was not ratified by the Catalan Parliament due to disagreements with the ERC regarding the application criteria. According to SER Catalunya, the differences have finally been resolved, and the government and its partners will present several joint amendments throughout Tuesday with the aim of definitively approving the law in Parliament in February, so that it can be implemented starting in April. However, the details of this agreement have not yet been specified. The government agreed with the Comuns almost a year ago to double the tax on tourist establishments, which is collected equally by the Generalitat (Catalan government) and the municipalities, and that half of the revenue collected by the government would be allocated to housing access policies. The main disagreement with the Republicans concerned the increase in this tax outside of Barcelona: they demanded that the tax be lower in other Catalan municipalities than in the Catalan capital, and that there be differentiated rates between the summer and winter seasons. As a result of this disagreement, the decree agreed upon with the Comuns passed in the Catalan Parliament in May, but the Catalan Government assured the tourism sector that it would not be applied. This led the Generalitat (Catalan Government) to issue a new decree suspending the approved measure, causing some uncertainty within the sector for a few days. Since May, all three parties have called for negotiations on a joint text, which will finally be presented this Tuesday for approval at the end of February and to come into effect in April, for the next billing period, already looking ahead to the spring-summer season. Rates and surcharges

The main change in the proposed amendments lies in the rate applicable to all Catalan municipalities other than Barcelona. Between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, these municipalities will have reduced rates compared to those initially announced, but from April 2027 onwards, these rates will revert to the standard rates. Specifically, the amendment stipulates that outside the Catalan capital, until April 2027, 5-star and luxury hotels and luxury campsites will have a rate of €4.50 – compared to the previously planned €6 – and 4-star or superior 4-star hotels will have a rate of €1.80 – compared to the previously planned €2.40.

Tourist accommodation in Catalonia will pay €1.75, down from the previously planned €2, and other campsites and establishments will pay €0.90, down from the previously planned €1.20. Youth hostels—which were not included in the previous text—will have a rate of €0.80. In addition, cruise ships will have to pay €3 for stays longer than 12 hours (previously €4) and €4.50 for stays of 12 hours or less (previously €6). From April 1, 2027, the rates outlined in the previous text will be implemented, with the addition of a €1 rate for youth hostels and an increase to €2.50 for tourist accommodation.

In Barcelona city, however, rates will not have any initial reduction, being 7 euros for 5-star and luxury hotels; 3.40 euros for 4-star and 4-superior hotels; 4.5 euros for tourist accommodation; 1 euro for youth hostels; and 2 euros for the rest of the establishments and campsites.

Local councils may also impose surcharges on the established fees. Specifically, the Barcelona City Council may establish a surcharge on the rates set for the city of Barcelona by municipal ordinance, but the maximum surcharge for each establishment category is set at 8 euros. Other municipalities may also impose a municipal surcharge, but the maximum amount for each establishment category is set at 4 euros, and may not exceed the rate established for each type of establishment.