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A Coruña and Vigo Port Authorities Urge Xunta to Limit Tourist Tax to Overnighting Cruise Passengers

Port leaders warn the €1.50 charge will raise call costs, risking traffic diversion when it applies to cruise calls on January 1, 2026.

Overview

  • The A Coruña and Vigo port authorities have filed objections and will formally ask the regional government to amend the law so only cruise passengers who sleep in the city are charged.
  • They argue taxing passengers who do not overnight raises legal doubts because the taxable event would occur on state port property rather than municipal territory.
  • Ports estimate the levy would lift the cost of a large cruise call by about 40%, citing Independence of the Seas paying €14,573 in port fees plus roughly €6,500 from the tax.
  • Corunna Cruise Terminal, joined by hotel and hospitality associations, has filed a contentious-administrative challenge at the TSXG against A Coruña’s ordinance.
  • Public reaction is mixed, with some cruisers backing a small fee for city upkeep, while the local PP claims charter operator Dertour will not return flights due to added costs.