The local authority claims that it should benefit from the tax that Matosinhos intends to charge on cruises, because visitors leave their mark on the city of Porto, which has already brought in 20 million euros this year. From 2025, Matosinhos will charge two euros per night.
Matosinhos City Council will propose the application of a tourist tax of two euros per night from January 2025, this Wednesday, November 13th.
This initiative comes with the growth of tourism in Matosinhos, which has established itself as a highlight in Portugal. The tax will only apply to tourists over 16 years of age, and may be extended up to 18 years of age.
According to information released in August, the amount collected from the tourist tax will then be used to maintain sidewalks and streets, and for cleaning and urban hygiene.
Porto City Council, in turn, claims that it should benefit from the tax applied in Matosinhos, as visitors end up leaving their mark on the Invicta city, whether in commerce (shops and restaurants), tourist attractions or accommodation.
This Monday, the Porto Municipal Executive approved the increase in the tourist tax from two to three euros in 2025, and by October the municipality had already collected around 20 million euros with the measure. This amount represents an increase of 5.5 million compared to the same period in 2023.