Overview
- The regional parliament approved the measure on Feb. 25, with rates taking effect in April across Catalonia, including Barcelona and Lloret de Mar.
- Hotel stays will be charged €10–€15 per night by category, vacation rentals up to €12.50, and cruise passengers remain around €6.
- A quarter of the additional revenue is legally earmarked for programs addressing the housing shortage.
- Hotel industry leaders, including Barcelona hoteliers’ chief Manel Casals, criticize the abrupt hike and had sought a phased increase.
- The move follows resident protests over mass tourism and tighter scrutiny of short‑term rentals, including a December fine against Airbnb, and aligns with similar fee increases in places such as Rome and Madeira.