Getxo approves new tourist tax for cruise passengers and rentals

The Getxo City Council has provisionally approved a new fiscal ordinance to regulate tourist stays, effective January 1. The measure introduces a tiered tax system designed to address the impact of tourism on municipal services and housing availability.

Cruise passengers staying overnight at the terminal will be charged 7.70 euros per night, which includes a 10 percent surcharge applied to all categories because the municipality exceeds 750 accommodation places. Tourists staying in tourist-use housing (VUT) will pay 7.15 euros per night, while those in tourist apartments will pay 3.85 euros.

Hotel rates will follow a progressive scale based on star ratings: 4.50 euros for 5-star hotels, 3.50 euros for 4-star hotels, and 1.50 euros for 3-star hotels. The ordinance was supported by the PNV, PSE-EE, and Elkarrekin Podemos-EP groups. Opposing parties, including EH Bildu and the People's Party (PP), expressed concerns regarding the tax levels, with the latter warning it could harm local competitiveness and deter visitors.