Andorra Plans Dynamic Tourist Tax to Combat Peak Saturation and Boost Year-Round Visits

Andorra's Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres outlined plans for a dynamic tourist tax at the 13th World Congress on Snow, Mountain, and Wellness Tourism, confirming an overall increase with rates varying by season to curb saturation and promote year-round visits. Speaking Wednesday at the Andorra la Vella Congress Centre during the event's opening, Torres said discussions with the sector are underway to set the scale of hikes, stressing the need for broad consensus. Rates would rise during peak periods and stay level or dip slightly off-season, mirroring dynamic pricing models already used at ski resorts.

The minister tied the measure to a new tourism law advancing through parliament, expected for approval soon, which aims to prioritise higher spending per visitor over sheer numbers. Andorra welcomed 9.1 million visitors in 2025, with carrying capacity studies identifying saturation in certain periods, though no hard caps are planned. "We focus not on quantity but quality, encouraging greater expenditure and comfort," Torres stated, balancing tourism's key economic role with residents' quality of life.

Hoteliers reacted coolly Thursday, with sector sources describing the dynamic tax idea as "forgotten in a drawer" or dormant, dormant since Torres first raised it over a year ago in parliament. They flagged potential administrative headaches, including mismatches in tax declarations to the ROAT system and past issues with inconsistent recording. A promised viability study has yet to materialise, though Torres reiterated seeking maximum input from stakeholders.

Thursday's closing remarks reinforced AI's role in personalising experiences and redirecting crowds from congested spots in real time, while upholding human-led authenticity amid 9.2 million annual visitors. The congress, themed "The Destination Under Digital Influence" and backed by UN Tourism, hosted 250 delegates discussing sustainability, climate adaptation, and ethics. Head of Government Xavier Espot dubbed Andorra a "sustainability laboratory." Contributors included UN Tourism's Sandra Carvao, Montenegro's Simonida Kordić, Portugal's Pedro Machado, Spain's Jordi Hereu, Ordino's Eduard Betriu, and resident MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaró. La Massana will host in 2028.