Summary:
New tourist tax introduced in a Portuguese resort to manage UK tourist influx.
The fee is €1 (£0.86) per night, expected to raise £172,000 annually.
Tax collected in cash upon arrival at lodgings, raising concerns among travelers.
Applies to all tourists, not just UK visitors, funding local projects and cultural centers.
Oeiras aims to enhance tourism while maintaining a quiet local atmosphere.
New Tourist Tax in Portugal
Another Portuguese resort is set to introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays, aiming to manage the increasing influx of UK tourists. This initiative, part of the European Union's regulations, seeks to raise approximately £172,000 (200,000 euros) annually.
The fee will amount to €1 (£0.86) per tourist per night. This new tax, enforced by RAPTOR (Acts of Regulation of Administrative Permissions, Taxes and Other Revenues), is designed to generate around €200,000 (approximately £171,500) in revenue for the town.
Tourists will be required to pay this tax in cash upon arrival at their lodgings. Some travelers have expressed concerns and skepticism regarding the cash payment method, with one Brit commenting, "All to be collected in cash. The EU won’t like that," while another questioned the potential for misappropriation of funds.
Who Will Be Affected?
The tax is applicable to all tourists staying overnight in Portugal, not just British visitors. It is intended to provide revenue that can be utilized for various government projects, including the preservation of local businesses and the establishment of cultural and recreational centers.
According to the local council, the purpose of the tax is to ensure that tourists contribute to the enjoyment of activities and investments promoted by the municipality of Oeiras, a town located at the confluence of the River Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean. While neighboring Carcavelos is often more bustling, Oeiras offers a quieter atmosphere, popular among locals and expats seeking a blend of rural and urban living.
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