Santiago de Compostela launches the Tourist Tax: What you should know about the new tax
Santiago de Compostela has launched its Tourist Tax, applying the tax to all visitors who spend the night in the city starting this Wednesday. In this way, the Galician capital becomes the second city in Galicia to implement the tribute, just a few days after A Coruña did the same.
The application of the rate occurs after a delay of months. Although the municipal ordinance was approved in May, the local government decided to postpone its entry into force until October due to the pressure and rejection from the hotel sector of the city.
The tax, which is actually a surcharge on the regional tax on tourist stays, aims to finance a model of sustainable tourism, which helps preserve the heritage and reconcile the influx of visitors with the daily lives of the residents.
Cost and duration: Sections from 1 to 2.5 euros
The cost of the tax varies depending on the category of accommodation and will only be applied during the first five days of the stay. Starting on the sixth day, the visitor will be exempt from continuing to pay.
The price per person and day is set as follows:
- 2.5 euros: Hotels with more than four stars.
- 2 euros: Two to four star hotels and Tourist Use Homes (VUT).
- 1.5 euros: Lower category hotels and pensions.
- 1 euro: Hostels, tourism camps, rural establishments and tourist apartments.
Exemptions: Who should not pay the tax
Not all visitors will have to pay the fee. The regulations provide exemptions for several groups, including:
- Minors.
- People with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 65%.
- Those staying for health reasons or to participate in official sports competitions.
- People staying in public shelters of the Xunta or youth hostels.
- Stays subsidized by a public administration or derived from force majeure.
