Spain's Barcelona Doubles Tourism Tax Amid Housing Crisis | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

Barcelona will raise its tourist tax to as much as 15 euros per night from April, doubling the current rate. Officials say the move aims to address housing pressures linked to mass tourism. The city receives about 15.8 million visitors annually, while rents and short-term apartment listings have increased. A quarter of the new tax revenue will fund affordable housing. Authorities also plan to ban short-term tourist rentals by 2028. Reactions are mixed, with some residents backing tighter controls and some tourists warning of higher travel costs. Other cities, including Venice, Edinburgh and Milan, are introducing or expanding visitor levies as popular destinations seek to manage overcrowding and housing strain. Firstpost | World News | News Live | Vantage | Palki Sharma | News #firstpost #vantageonfirstpost #palkisharma #worldnews Vantage is a ground-breaking news, opinions, and current affairs show from Firstpost. Catering to a global audience, Vantage covers the biggest news stories from a 360-degree perspective, giving viewers a chance to assess the impact of world events through a uniquely Indian lens. The show is anchored by Palki Sharma, Managing Editor, Firstpost. By breaking stereotypes, Vantage aims to challenge conventional wisdom and present an alternative view on global affairs, defying the norm and opening the door to new perspectives. The show goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories – making Vantage a destination for thought-provoking ideas. Vantage airs Monday to Friday at 9 PM IST on Firstpost across all leading platforms. Subscribe to Firstpost channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live. https://www.youtube.com/@Firstpost Follow Firstpost on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstpost/ Follow Firstpost on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpostin/ Follow Firstpost on Twitter: https://twitter.com/firstpost Follow Firstpost on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va6zOIrEQIamseyg762V