Lisbon is a remarkable city in terms of tourism. The Portuguese capital is one of the most visited cities in Europe , receiving thousands of tourists, both domestic and international.
The constant flow of people in Lisbon brings with it thousands of daily visits to the city's historical and cultural heritage. Therefore, to prevent its deterioration and ensure its proper maintenance, the city council decided to implement what is known as a tourist tax .
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Lisbon is a very popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. This puts significant pressure on the city's infrastructure , such as public transport, streets, parks, and historical sites. The tourist tax is used to finance the maintenance and improvement of this infrastructure, ensuring that the city can continue to offer a positive experience for both tourists and residents. The tourist tax is specifically targeted at funding municipal projects related to street cleaning, security, mobility, expanding cultural offerings, and preserving public and tourist spaces. The Lisbon City Council aims to ensure that the cost of tourism does not fall on residents, but is shared in part by visitors.
A large influx of tourists can impact the daily lives of local residents and the natural environment . The tax is also used to mitigate some of these negative effects, such as overcrowding in tourist areas, increased demand for public services (water, sanitation, cleaning), and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. The funds raised can be used to improve the sustainability of tourism, protect natural resources, and ensure that the city maintains its appeal in the long term.
The tourist tax in Lisbon came into effect on January 1, 2015. overnight stays in the city were charged €2 , and arrivals by air or sea were taxed at €1 per person. The amounts collected from the tourist tax have reached record figures, totaling more than €49 million in 2024 and exceeding €260 million since 2016. These funds are invested in directly improving cleaning services, the daily operation of the city, and the maintenance of infrastructure used by both residents and tourists.
On April 17, 2024, the Lisbon City Council approved an increase in the tourist taxes levied on overnight stays and cruise ship passengers. Specifically, the overnight stay tax increased from €2 to €4, and the tourist tax for cruise ship passengers increased from €1 to €2 .
This increase is already reflected on the Lisbon Chamber of Commerce website , and it came into effect on September 1, 2024, after a 30-day public consultation period.
It's important to note that the tourist tax only applies for seven consecutive nights in tourist accommodation.
The increase in the tourist tax has several associated objectives:
“Expanding public interventions in tourism infrastructure, mobility, urban cleaning, public space, security, and the tourism, cultural, and leisure offerings, in an effort that should not place a burden on residents.”
The Lisbon City Council considers both overnight tourists and cruise ship passengers to be “engines of economic and social growth,” but believes that steps must be taken and actions established to maintain the long-term sustainability of the tourism ecosystem.
People with a disability of 65% or more are exempt from payment, provided they present documentation certifying their disability , as are those arriving in the city to receive medical treatment. Children under 13 are also exempt. The city council emphasizes that tourism is an economic and social driver, but that sustainability and balance depend on proper resource management. Therefore, the fee is reviewed periodically to adjust to the actual volume of visitors and the city's needs. The public consultation prior to the latest increase validates the desire of residents and tourism stakeholders to strengthen the destination's sustainability .
