The Lisbon City Council has approved a proposal brought forward by the Social Democrats to reduce or eliminate tourist taxes for residents, particularly in areas that are not major tourist attractions.
Specifically, the proposal recommends a study be conducted to update the tourist tax in the city, with the argument that residents should not have to pay these taxes. Currently, residents in Lisbon pay €2 per night for their stay in hotels and other accommodations.
The Social Democratic Party (PSD) argues that the pressure of tourism on the city has led to increased costs for urban hygiene, maintenance of public spaces, pollution, and noise, and these costs need to be alleviated.
The PSD’s proposal received positive feedback and was approved, with votes against from some parties and abstentions from others. The tourist tax was initially implemented in 2016, and the amount has increased over the years.
There have been suggestions for the tourist tax to be applied differently in various areas of the city, with lower rates or no tax in areas with fewer tourists and higher rates in areas with more tourist pressure. The allocation and use of tourist tax money have also been a topic of discussion, with calls for a revision in how these funds are spent.
The debate around tourist taxes in Lisbon has sparked interest as the city grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by tourism. As more destinations around Europe consider implementing or adjusting tourist taxes, it’s important for travelers to stay informed about these developments.
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