The Catalan government has confirmed plans to double the tourist tax starting in 2026, raising it to up to €7 per night for visitors staying in Barcelona and other high-demand areas.
This move aims to generate additional revenue for sustainable infrastructure and combat overtourism, but has drawn sharp criticism from hotel associations who argue it reflects an excessive focus on fundraising rather than balanced development.
The increase is expected to affect millions of travellers, potentially influencing booking patterns and raising costs for budget-conscious visitors to this popular destination.
