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Loulé Introduces New Tourist Tax: What You Need to Know
Starting from the 1st November 2024, the municipality of Loulé, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal’s Algarve region, has implemented a new tourist tax aimed at boosting local infrastructure, sustainability, and public services.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new tourist tax in Loulé:
What Is the New Tourist Tax?
The tourist tax is a fee imposed on all visitors (regardless of nationality) staying in various types of accommodation, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, camping sites and guesthouses.
The municipality of Loulé, which includes the popular tourist hubs of Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, will charge tourists on a per-night basis, with the amount varying depending on the season.
How Much Will the Tourist Tax Cost?
There are two different tax bands.
– Low season (1st November until the 31st March)-€1 per person, per night up to a maximum of €5 (5 nights)
– High season (1st April until the 31st October)-€2 per person, per night up to a maximum of €10 (5 nights)
The tax will be capped at a maximum of five consecutive nights per stay, meaning even if you stay for longer periods, you’ll only pay for the first five nights.
Who is exempt?
There are exemptions in some cases. The following are exempt from the tourist tax:
- Children under 16 years of age
- Guests who, during their stay, become ill or are subject to any physical impediment, and then they require medical care in hospital
- Stays caused by force majeure, catastrophes or natural disasters
How Will the Tax Be Collected?
The tourist tax will be collected directly by the accommodation providers at the time of check in or check out. The accommodation provider will then pay the tax to the local council once a month.
How Will This Impact Tourism in Loulé?
While some may view the introduction of a tourist tax as an additional burden, others see it as a necessary step to support the future of the Algarve as a sustainable destination. The region’s popularity has led to overcrowding during peak seasons, putting strain on infrastructure, local services, and the environment. The tourist tax will help address some of these challenges and ensure that the region remains an attractive and viable destination for years to come.
Is This the First of Its Kind in Portugal?
No, Loulé is not the first municipality in Portugal to introduce a tourist tax. Several other regions, including Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira, have already implemented similar taxes. Other councils in the Algarve, such as Faro, already have a tourist tax. These taxes are becoming increasingly common in popular tourist destinations around the world as cities and regions seek to manage the impacts of tourism and ensure that the benefits are distributed more equitably.
In Conclusion
As Loulé rolls out its new tourist tax, it is clear that the municipality is taking proactive steps to balance the demands of tourism with the need for sustainability and quality of life for local residents. While the tax may initially be met with some resistance, it holds the potential to contribute to a more balanced and responsible tourism model, ensuring that Loulé remains one of the Algarve’s most sought-after destinations for years to come.
You can download the official information from the council here: GB_Flyer Taxa turística