The City Council of Albufeira, in the district of Faro, plans to start charging, as of May 21, a tourist tax of two euros for overnight stays in the municipality during the high season, as announced this Tuesday.
The regulation that defines the conditions of applicability of the rate was published this Tuesday in the Diário da República, indicating May 2 for its entry into force.
However, Albufeira City Council reported this Tuesday in a statement that the request “is currently in process.” suspended until May 20, given that some limitations have arisen in the use of the payment computer application.” Thus, “the collection start date is expected to be May 21,” states the president of the municipality, José Carlos Rolo, cited in the note.
Albufeira is considered the “tourism capital” of the Algarve, with more than 150 hotel units and more than 9,000 local accommodation units.
With the entry into force of the collection of the tourist tax, Albufeira became part of the group of municipalities of the Algarve which receive a tax for tourists’ overnight stays in the municipality, along with Portimão, Lagoa, Vila Real de Santo António, Faro and Olhão.
According to the regulations, the rate is two euros between April 1 and October 31 and will be charged for a maximum of seven consecutive nights to all guests over 13 years of age.
The measure applies to paid overnight stays at tourist resorts, local accommodation establishments, campsites and caravan parks, regardless of the booking method (in-person, analogue or digital).
Guests whose stay is motivated by medical treatment, including a companion, are exempt from the fee, upon presentation of a document proving the appointment/provision of medical services or equivalent document.
The measure also applies to guests who become ill during their stay, or require medical attention, upon presentation of supporting documents and during the time they are sick.
According to the municipality, the money collected from the tourist tax will be invested “in accessibility and coastal improvement projects, in actions in the field of climate change, sustainability and mobility and support for relief and emergency forces.”
The investments also cover the areas of “health support, cultural heritage and promotion of cultural and sports activities, promotion and valorization of tourism and new tourism products,” the note concludes.
To clarify doubts about the entry into force of the tourist tax, the municipality will promote actions for those responsible for local hotels and accommodations, on May 10 and 14.
Source: Observadora
