AMAL, the Algarve’s mayors’ group, unanimously* has approved the introduction of a tourist tax for those staying in the region’s hotels and guest houses.All council areas are to be involved charge in the new scheme and each will retain the money raised in their council areas, which will be used, “in favour of the development of the Algarve municipalities.”
The decision was made at the last AMAL meeting with the nightly charge and launch date soon to be defined, but the necessary regulations are planned to be agreed, as soon as possible.”
The same fee will be implemented across the region and will have to be validated at the region’s municipal assemblies and will go to local public consultation.
Jorge Botelho, president of AMAL, understands that "it is premature to move forward with an exact launch date but it is a reality and a novelty, the Algarve will have a tourist tax."
The revenue will be managed by each of the 16 municipalities, "it will certainly be to the benefit of the region and the development of the Algarve council areas,” claimed Botelho who wittered on about “culture, combating seasonality and promoting the quality of the Algarve," while failing to mention the cost implications and the impact on bookings.
Lisbon already has a tourist tax, Oporto too, as from March 1st.
The Algarve’s cost-sensitive hoteliers have yet to make a statement through their trade body but, as they will be collecting the tax, the response will not be positive.
* A claim later denied by Silves council
