The study, presented during the municipal executive meeting by Professor José Rio Fernandes, from the Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto, highlights that the amount currently charged is reduced compared to other cities with a tourist intensity greater than or identical to that of Porto.

“Porto is one of the cities in Europe with the greatest tourist intensity”, stated Rio Fernandes, highlighting that this factor “supports the idea” that the tax should be increased in the city.

The teacher recalled, however, that the municipal tourist tax “is not a deterrent to tourism” and that “just because it increases does not mean there will no longer be tourism” in the city.

Rio Fernandes also suggested that the value of the fee be reviewed every two years.

Despite the conclusions of the study - also prepared by professors Luís Carvalho and Pedro Chamusca -, no decision was taken by the municipal executive, which will subsequently decide on the proposed revision of the tourist tax to be submitted to public consultation.

At the meeting, the councillor for the Economy of the Porto Chamber said he had “some difficulty in following the difference between parishes”, noting that the difference in the value of the fee would have to be legally justified with expenses.

The Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, also said he did not agree with the differentiation of fees between parishes and that he preferred to proceed “with a single fee of three euros”.

Portuguese tourists

For BE, councillor Sérgio Aires stated that it is necessary to deepen the study, considering, however, the application of the tax to national citizens as “unfair”.

“We are making life difficult for a Portuguese person who wants to travel in their own country”, stated the blocker, also questioning the “modest amount” charged and considering that, compared to other European cities, Portugal offers “discounts”.

In response, independent Rui Moreira also said he preferred the amount charged to be higher, but that a legislative change would be necessary for this to happen.

In 2022, the Municipal Tourist Tax generated revenue of 15 million euros, with the municipality estimating that 2023 revenue will be more than 20 million euros.