Canadians visiting this hotspot in Spain could face new nightly charge

Canadians planning a trip to Spain could face a new tourist tax depending on when they plan to visit.

Travellers from Canada heading to Spain to experience the culture or perhaps dig into a paella will have to account for a new tourist tax. According to The Independent, a city in Spain will soon be charging tourists a fee to stay overnight.

Vigo, located in the northwestern region, is a port city known for its seafood scene and the nearby Cíes Islands. The city is also an important fishing hub and a popular destination for cruises.

This announcement comes after Barcelona increased its tourist tax to €3.25 (C$4.76) per night per person on April 1.

How much will you have to pay?

Vigo's local government has approved a tax that will see tourists paying up to €2 (C$3.20) per night. Unlike Barcelona's per-person rate, Vigo's tax will apply to each overnight stay at a hotel or temporary accommodation.

The amount you'll have to pay depends on the type of accommodation you choose.

While guests staying at five-star hotels pay the maximum €2 (C$3.20) nightly fee, tourists staying at three- or four-star hotels will only pay €1.60 (C$2.56) per night.

Cruise ship passengers aren't exempt either — guests must pay the nightly rate of €1.20 (C$1.93). Seniors and guests staying in two- or one-star accommodations will be charged the same amount.

Anyone staying in hostels, tourist apartments and houses, rural accommodations, or camping sites will be charged an even lower fee of €0.80 (C$1.28).

Youth, persons with disabilities, and residents of Vigo will be exempt.

When does the tax kick in?

Tourists heading to Vigo this summer don't have to pay the tax, as it won't be introduced until October 2026. From that point on until July 1, 2027, it will only apply to the first two nights of stay. After that date, the charge will extend to stays of up to five nights.

Cruise ship guests won't have to pay the tax until July 1, 2027.