Vigo, a popular Spanish cruise port, is preparing to introduce a new daily tourist tax for visitors. The levy, ranging from €0.80 to €2 per person per night, will vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen.

Tourist Tax Details

The proposed tax structure outlines different rates based on accommodation standards. Hostels and campsites will be subject to a charge of €0.80 (approximately £0.69) per night. Luxury four and five-star hotels will see a fee of €2 (approximately £1.74) per night.

Accommodation Rates

  • Budget (Hostels/Campsites): €0.80 per night
  • Mid-Range (3-4 Star Hotels/Tourist Rentals): €1.60 per night
  • Standard (1-2 Star Hotels/Guesthouses): €1.20 per night
  • Luxury (4-5 Star Hotels): €2 per night

    • Cruise passengers disembarking at the port will also be required to pay a tax of €1.20 (approximately £1.04) per person.

    Implementation Timeline and Exemptions

    The tax will be rolled out gradually, starting in October, coinciding with the city’s annual Christmas light switch-on. Initially, the tax will apply only to the first two nights of a visitor’s stay, remaining in effect until July 1, 2027. After this date, the tax will be extended to a maximum of five nights.

    Exemptions are being considered for children, individuals with disabilities, and those travelling for medical reasons.

    Vigo’s Tourism and Objectives

    Vigo, located in north-west Spain, is a key access point to the Cíes Islands, renowned for their pristine beaches and clear waters. The city welcomed over 7,500 cruise passengers this week alone, arriving on the MS Britannia, MS Ventura, and Le Bellot.

    The primary goal of the tourist tax is to redistribute tourism revenue and mitigate the environmental impact of increasing visitor numbers. Vigo, with a population of approximately 295,000, is also known for its beaches and its Christmas light displays.

    Vigo is set to join other Galician cities, including Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña, which have already implemented similar tourist levies. This initiative reflects a global trend towards increased tourist taxes aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices.