Core Viewpoint - Barcelona has announced an increase in the "tourist tax" for overnight visitors aged 16 and above, raising the fee from the current range of 5 to 7 euros to a maximum of 15 euros starting in April 2024. This measure aims to control tourist numbers and alleviate housing issues in the city [1][3]. Group 1: Tax Details - The new tax rates will vary based on hotel classification, with the highest tax of 15 euros (approximately 121.6 RMB) per person per night for five-star hotels, and 11.4 euros (approximately 92.4 RMB) for four-star hotels [3]. - Tourists arriving by cruise will also be subject to a daily tax of about 6 euros (approximately 48.6 RMB), regardless of whether they are on a day trip or a short stay [3]. Group 2: Purpose and Impact - The increase in the tourist tax is intended not only to manage tourist numbers but also to fund Barcelona's "affordable housing" projects. The city has a resident population of around 1.6 million but receives over 15 million tourists annually, putting pressure on local resources, particularly housing [5]. - There are concerns that the influx of tourists has driven up housing prices, contributing to a housing crisis in the city. The additional tax is seen as a potential solution to ease this pressure, with some tourists expressing support for the measure [5]. Group 3: Opposition and Comparisons - Critics argue that increasing the tourist tax will not fundamentally resolve the city's housing shortages and that high tax rates may lead to negative perceptions among visitors [7]. - Following the tax increase, Barcelona will become the second highest city in Europe for tourist taxes, only behind Amsterdam, which charges 18.45 euros per person [9].