Brits urged to check before holiday after Spain brings in new ‘daily charge’ for tourists

British tourists have been urged to keep a look out for the upcoming ‘daily charges’ for holidaymakers in Spain.

During a cost-of-living crisis, the last thing you want to hear is another wallet drainer for when you're on holiday.

For those wondering, Jose Maria Bellido, the Mayor of Cordoba, has explained why he thinks it's a good idea.

He told Europa Press: “We are going to reach a point where it is necessary to impose a tourist tax.

"There are municipalities that understand that it would be positive and I can share that analysis.

"There are cities in which there is an agglomeration (of tourists) with significant costs for public services of all kinds, such as cleaning, transportation, security, and maintenance. [A tourist tax] may be reasonable]."

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For those travelling to the Balearic Islands or mainland Spain, it's being reported that holidaymakers will be charged approximately £3 a day in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Although, the tourist tax in Catalonia will vary, depending on the type of accommodation and the season you visit in.

For 5-star hotels, the rate will reportedly be €3.50 per night, while a typical tourist flat will set you back €2.25 per night.

The mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, added: "I have always declared myself in favour of it.

"A tourist, even if he contributes indirectly with his expenses through taxes and revenue on spending, is enjoying city facilities paid for by residents."

Meanwhile, the Tourism Business Council of the Confederations of Entrepreneurs of Andalucia has discouraged the move, arguing that it would 'negatively affect the competitiveness of the sector and the regional economy as a whole'.

The change is certainly an unwelcome one amongst the hotel sector, as host of this year’s Olympics and Paralympics, Paris, is increasing its tourist tax.

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In a statement, the Union des Métiers et des Industries de l'Hôtellerie (UMIH) and Groupement National de Chaines Hôtelières (GNC) said: “It is another hard blow for the competitiveness of our sector and for the image of France, at a time when all the spotlights are on Paris 2024.”

Venice, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Manchester have already brought in tourist fees to crackdown on overtourism to spruce up the area in the process.

People who call the seaside towns their home have launched petitions calling for a tourist tax to be brought in, which would supposedly apply to anyone entering specific - and popular - zones.

Maris Lake is the man behind one of the appeals to the council and he championed the idea of charging visitors a small amount, saying it would help remind them to be on their best behaviour.

He told the Bournemouth Echo: "We know how our beaches end up after the weekend - I think all the locals are aware of it.

"When something is free, people abuse it. If people had to pay, it could shift their mentality."