It entered into force last Thursday (1), the measure that determines the collection of a fee of two euros (approximately 8 reais) per night for clients over 13 years in the city of Porto.

The tariff, approved at the end of last year, aims to add 6 million euros per year to the public coffers, generating financing to compensate for the wear and tear resulting from the intense tourist flow.

The president of APHORT, Rodrigo Pinto Barros, told Agência Lusa that this is a tourist fee, claiming to be a “lodging fee” and considered it “unfair” and “unbalanced”, as it only applies to visitors who stay overnight in the city , leaving out those who visit and enjoy their equipment, from restaurants and museums to transport, but not stay in the tourist accommodation.

Raul Martins, president of AHP, contested the model and the value: “Since the tourist footprint is the main reason for this rate, AHP considers that it should be paid by all visitors and not only by those who spend the night in city, since the rates and taxes borne by hotel companies are not the same as those of residents, “Raul Martins told Agência Lusa.

The president of the AHP also argued that “the value of two euros is obviously excessive and unfounded, even by comparison with the municipality of Lisbon, where the tourist pressure is higher.”

Sources: Infomoney and presstur
Photo: Press Release