The city of Barcelona has significantly increased its tourist tax, potentially reaching up to 15 euros per night, making it one of the highest in Europe. This measure is part of a broader effort to decrease the number of tourists and fund initiatives for affordable housing. The law, recently approved by the regional Parliament of Catalonia, aims to address local concerns regarding the impact of tourism on housing prices and availability.

Residents in Catalonia have expressed increasing frustration and protests over the influx of tourists, which they argue contributes to rising rental prices and the affordability crisis, particularly due to the growth of short-term vacation rentals. By doubling the tax for guests in vacation rentals, local authorities intend to not only generate revenue to support housing initiatives but also to deter excessive tourism that disrupts the local community.

This taxation strategy reflects a growing trend among cities across Europe grappling with similar issues of tourism management and housing affordability. As Barcelona's tourism tax rises, it may set a precedent for other travel destinations facing similar challenges and influence future policies aimed at balancing the needs of both tourists and local residents.