Andorra Plans to Nearly Double Tourist Tax in High Season

Andorra's Tourism Minister Jordi Torres has outlined plans to nearly double the tourist tax during high season, targeting periods of peak visitor influx such as December through March and August, while keeping rates steady in low season. He made the comments midday Friday during the Sant Jaume dels Cortals festival, following the Consell General's approval of the general tourism law on Thursday, which paves the way for changes to the tourist accommodation regulations.

Torres described a straightforward dynamic model with two main categories: high season for months like December, January, February, March and August, plus other high-traffic vacation periods. He noted challenges in incorporating variable dates like Easter week, saying periods of strong influx are "very well identified." The approach draws from market studies in neighbouring countries, where rates have risen and adapted to seasonality. "In high season we would have room to nearly double it, and in low season leave it as is," Torres said.

The minister stressed upcoming consultations with the tourism sector to reach consensus on the details, with implementation possibly by the end of this year or next. He advocated keeping the system simple to ease management for businesses and authorities.

On tax collection, Torres acknowledged early adaptation issues after the tax's introduction but confirmed they have been resolved through better coordination between accommodations and tax authorities. "Now we're at a steady, correct pace," he said, pointing to rising declarations as evidence of stability.

Separately, the government will commission a study in the coming months to assess a potential tourist vignette, stemming from a Concòrdia amendment reworked into a feasibility review. Torres said this would fall outside the current legislative term.