A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela have recently approved the introduction of a tourist tax aimed at promoting sustainability in tourism. The tax will be implemented in A Coruña from September first, and in Santiago de Compostela from October first. The charges will range between one and two and a half euros per night. Similar initiatives have already been in place in regions such as Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

In A Coruña, the tax was approved by the local council with support from the PSOE and BNG parties, while the PP opposed it. José Manuel Lage, the city’s Economy and Strategic Planning Councillor, stated that the funds raised will support tourism promotion and public services, including cleaning and security. Certain groups, such as those attending conferences, minors, hospital patients, and social programme participants, will not have to pay.

Meanwhile, Santiago’s new tourist tax was also approved with the backing of the coalition government and independents, amidst abstention from the PP, at a recent municipal council meeting. Councillor Míriam Louzao highlighted the importance of balancing the costs generated by tourism in the city. A six-month timeline has been established for the creation of an oversight committee to monitor the tax’s implementation, with a focus on sustainable tourism initiatives.

The tourist tax in Galicia is effectively a surcharge on the existing regional tax for tourist stays, following its approval by the Xunta and subsequent discussions with local authorities. It is designed to apply to stays of between one and five days, ranging from one euro to two and a half euros per night.