Santiago de Compostela, Spain – The Santiago de Compostela City Council has taken a historic step by approving a municipal tax ordinance that implements a tourist tax in Galicia for the first time. The measure, supported by the majority of political groups, seeks to compensate for the impact of the high flow of visitors, mainly generated by the Camino de Santiago, on municipal services and the quality of life of residents.
The new tax will range between 1 euro and 2.5 euros per night, depending on the category of the establishment, with a maximum collection of five days. This tax is added to similar initiatives already in force in other Spanish communities such as Catalonia, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands.
The funds raised will go to improve tourist infrastructure, preserve historical and artistic heritage, and develop initiatives that promote more sustainable and respectful tourism with local identity. The municipal spokesperson, Míriam Louzao, explained that the collection will be made through semi-annual self-assessments by the hotel establishments, and that the investments will focus on the "promotion, impulse, protection, promotion and development of sustainable tourism."
Despite the broad political consensus, with non-attached councilors, PSOE and Compostela Aberta in favor, it was regretted that the Autonomous Law did not allow the Xunta de Galicia, through its Tax Agency, to be in charge of collection. The Popular Party, for its part, has questioned the management and destination of the funds.
The mayor, Goretti Sanmartín, emphasized that this rate seeks to "balance the costs" derived from the use of city services by tourists, adjusting municipal budgets that until now were based on the number of residents. This measure is essential for a city that receives millions of visitors annually and where the spending they generate significantly puts pressure on public services and urban space.
