Lisbon’s tourist tax was implemented in 2016, and next year’s doubled tax will be put towards urban cleaning and better transport in the most tourist-heavy areas.
In a statement, Lisbon council confirmed the 100 percent rise in tax from one euros to two euros, from 1 January next year.
Left Bloc councillor for education and social rights Manuel Grilo said “the revenue from this tourist tax will naturally be directed towards addressing, in particular, the issues of urban cleaning and transportation in areas where tourism exerts greater pressure, greater expression and, therefore, entails greater problems in these areas”.
Children up to the age of 13 are exempt from paying the tax, as are people overnighting in the Portuguese capital for medical treatment, and their companions.
Porto has a tourist tax of €2 per night, while the Algarve is expected to introduce a €1.50 per person, per night (up to seven consecutive nights) tourist tax from next year; although the exact start date is as yet unconfirmed.