Spain holiday warning as top destination raises tourist tax

Barcelona is one of Europe’s top city break destinations but British tourists will need to pay more to holiday there from April 1.

The Spanish city introduced an extra tourist tax on top of the regional one in 2012 and has regularly increased it since then.

The regional tax varies depending on a tourist’s type of accommodation with five-star hotels attracting the highest fee.

Cruise passengers also pay an extra tax which is more expensive if they stay in the city overnight.

Barcelona’s city tax is then paid on top of that and has been steadily increasing over the years.

In April 2024, the city tax will rise from 2.75 euros (£2.36) to 3.25 euros (£2.79) for stays up to seven days.

Cruise passengers who visit the city for the day will pay 6.25 euros (£5.36). Barcelona’s mayor says the city wants to encourage “quality tourism”.

Barcelona receives around 32 million visitors per year and residents have complained about rising prices and overcrowding.