New tourist tax for cruise ships in Lisbon

10-04-24

The implementation of a new tourist tax for cruise ships in Lisbon, which came into effect on April 1, 2024, represents an important step towards sustainable tourism management in the Portuguese capital. This measure, which involves a charge of 2 euros for each cruise passenger disembarking in the city, was officially adopted in January of the same year, marking a commitment on the part of local authorities to invest in tourism infrastructure and services, as well as in the preservation of Lisbon's cultural and environmental heritage.

The Lisbon Municipal Chamber estimates that, through this initiative, it could generate annual revenues of approximately 1.2 million euros. These funds will be used to improve the tourist experience in the city, while addressing the challenges arising from the growing number of visitors. Specifically, the fee is levied on passengers disembarking from cruise ships in transit through the cruise terminals located in Lisbon, and is collected from operators through the JUL - Janela Única Logística platform. This platform not only facilitates the collection of the tax but also ensures the efficient transfer of the collected funds to the municipality.

This approach reflects a growing trend among tourist destinations to seek sustainable and responsible ways of managing tourism, especially in cities facing the challenges of mass tourism. By implementing such a tax, Lisbon joins other European cities that have adopted similar measures to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to preserve their quality of life and heritage for future generations.