According to a report by Dinheiro Vivo, calculations indicate a near doubling of revenue (+94%) from the tax levied on overnight stays by guests staying in tourist accommodation establishments in the country.
This is the largest increase ever recorded in the amount generated by the application of this tax and is explained primarily by the increase in amounts collected, but also by the extension of the period during which it is applied.
However, the list of municipalities that choose to apply this tax is growing.
Currently, 43 of the country's 308 municipalities charge tourists an extra nightly rate, which can range from one to four euros, compared to 18 in the first half of last year.
Lisbon is the municipality that generates the most revenue from the overnight stay tax and the sea arrival tax charged to cruise ship passengers. In the first six months of the year, the municipality led by Carlos Moedas collected 38.3 million euros. This represents a 98% increase compared to 2024, explained by the fact that the tourist tax was reduced from two to four euros, offsetting the slight annual drop in overnight stays in the first half of the year.
How about spending it on some of the roads or a few more parks for the kids?
By Peter from Algarve on 17 Aug 2025, 09:51
Where and how exactly is this money being spent? Zero transparency and accountability. One thing for sure it is not going back into the local economies in any visible way. There should be mandate to disclose the revenue streams (sectors) and how this money is being spent with tangible outcomes demonstrated.
By Stuart Wood from Algarve on 17 Aug 2025, 10:08