Millions of British tourists may avoid Spain if a new EU tourist tax is introduced, according to the Spanish Tourism Board. The board has warned that the charge, part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), could deter the UK's 18 million annual visitors.
The tax, set at €7 (approximately £6.22) per non-EU traveller, is expected to take effect from November 2023. Spain's tourism leaders expressed concern that this additional fee, combined with existing local taxes, would make the country less competitive compared to other destinations.
Juan Molas, president of the Spanish Tourism Board, highlighted two major threats to Spain's tourism sector: the potential shift of Lufthansa's intercontinental hub from Madrid to Rome, and the new tourist tax. He stated: 'These two alerts constitute potential threats to the competitiveness of the Spanish tourism sector.'
Spain, a favourite holiday spot for Britons seeking affordable European getaways, already suffered during the pandemic when travel restrictions led many to choose staycations. The board fears that the tax could further push British tourists to alternative destinations.
