“The tourist tax is a contribution that tourists leave in the local area to minimize their footprint”, summarised the mayor, António Miguel Pina, who expects to receive an annual revenue of “between 250 and 300 thousand euros ”.

The measure, approved by the municipality in April, is expected to be published in the next few days in the Diário da República, and will then take effect, making Olhão the third municipality in the Algarve to apply a tourist tax, after Vila Real de Santo António and Faro.

The fee will be two euros during the high season and one euro in the low season (from November 1st to March 31st). Children under 16 and stays longer than five nights are exempt, which means that each tourist will pay a maximum of 10 euros.

António Miguel Pina explained that this decision has to do with the profile of the tourist who usually come to the local area, in most cases, families with children.

The Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL) had already approved the application of an identical tourist tax of two euros, taking into account proposals made by the two largest hotel associations in the region and the Algarve Tourism Board (RTA).

The Câmara de Olhão intends to use 50% of the revenue from the new fee to “minimise the effects of tourist pressure, namely in terms of cleanliness and increased security”.