Lisbon is set to double its tourist tax, which is charged to anyone staying overnight in the city. The tax will increase from €2 to €4 per person per night, as approved by the city council. A 30-day consultation period will be held before the new tax comes into effect, with all revenue generated going towards maintaining the city’s infrastructure. According to Mayor Carlos Moedas, the tax increase is considered fair for Lisbon residents and the city itself. He also emphasized his commitment to reducing taxes for Lisbon residents, such as the reduction in personal income tax.
Other Portuguese cities have also implemented tourist taxes recently. Amarante, for instance, has imposed a new tourist tax of €2 per night during the high season and €1 per night during the low season, starting from April 2024. The revenue from Amarante’s tourist tax will be used to fund tourist-related activities promoted by the municipality.
Cruise taxes have also been introduced in Lisbon, requiring cruise passengers disembarking in the city to pay €2 per passenger. This tax is charged regardless of whether the passengers stay overnight in Lisbon or not.
The implementation of tourist taxes in Lisbon and other Portuguese cities reflects a growing trend towards levying fees on tourists to generate revenue for local infrastructure and tourism development.
