The Porto City Council is set to vote on initiating the process of revising the municipal tourist tax regulation. The current tax of €3, which has been in place since 2024, may be increased. The proposed revision includes a 10-day period for interested parties to contribute and provide feedback. This move comes as the city experiences significant growth in tourism.
The potential increase in the tourist tax is linked to the city's strategy to fund free public transportation for residents. In July, Mayor Pedro Duarte mentioned that the tax could rise to match Lisbon's rates, which would mean an increase to €4. The goal is to contribute to the financing of free public transportation in the city by 2027. Duarte had previously suggested that the tax could reach €5 in subsequent years if necessary.
The revision of the regulation is justified by the evolution of tourism in Porto. According to the data, the number of overnight stays increased by 45.6% between 2019 and 2025, exceeding 6.6 million in the last year. The number of guests also grew by 37.2% during the same period, surpassing 3 million. The average stay increased from 2.04 nights in 2019 to 2.16 nights in 2025.
The trend of growing tourism continued in 2026, with a 4.48% increase in overnight stays and a 3.53% increase in the number of guests in the first semester compared to the same period in the previous year. The expansion of tourism has directly impacted municipal revenues, with the tourist tax generating €32.3 million in 2025, a 54.5% increase from 2024.
The growth in tourism has also led to increased pressure on public equipment and infrastructure, including urban space maintenance, mobility, security, culture, and heritage. The city council aims to balance the needs of tourists and residents while preserving the city's attractiveness as a tourist destination. The council's policy prioritizes quality urban life.
After the deliberation, a period for public participation and contribution collection will be opened. A concrete proposal for the new tourist tax value will be presented in a later stage. The city council's goal is to find a balance between tourism and the needs of residents, ensuring that Porto remains an attractive destination without becoming a city exclusively focused on visitors.
The increased revenue from the tourist tax will be used to fund public services, including free public transportation for residents. The city council's strategy aims to mitigate the impact of tourism on the city's infrastructure while maintaining its appeal to visitors. The new tax rate will be determined after public consultation and contribution.
Key points
- The Porto City Council may increase the tourist tax from €3 to €4.
- The tax increase is linked to funding free public transportation for residents.
- Tourism in Porto has grown significantly, with a 45.6% increase in overnight stays between 2019 and 2025.
