Vacationers in Portugal's popular Algarve tourist region will have to pay a tourist tax this summer, according to local publication Suinformacao.
The Association of Municipalities of the Algarve (AMAL) unanimously approved the introduction of a tourist tax from 1 June 2018. Local authorities have not yet finalized the tax amount. According to local media, guests will likely have to pay between 1 and 2 euros per night.
According to AMAL President Jorge Botelho, each of the 16 municipalities will manage the collected funds independently. This innovation will benefit the region and contribute to the development of the Algarve. The revenues will be used to develop infrastructure and enhance the region's competitiveness, Botelho added.
The introduction of the tax has already sparked a negative reaction from local hoteliers. They believe it will deter some tourists, especially those coming for family vacations. In Portugal, a resort tax of €1 per day is already levied in Lisbon. Since March 1, 2018, tourists in Porto have been required to pay €2 per day.
The Algarve is Portugal's southernmost region, located on the Atlantic coast. Tourists choose this destination not only for a beach holiday but also for active recreation. Among the available activities are shark hunting, yachting, bullfighting, water parks, and affordable seafood restaurants.
Source: news.turizm.ru