Lisbon war on tourists as new cruise ship tax rolls out for all cruisegoers

Lisbon war on tourists as new cruise ship tax rolls out for all cruisegoers

An industry expert speaks of travel chaos facing Britons this year

Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 19/12/2023

- 14:55

Cruisegoers will face a new change in Europe within weeks

British holidaymakers on cruises stopping in Lisbon will be charged from January 2024.

Every passenger will be subject to paying the new fee.


The Port of Lisbon Authority has shared that a tourist tax of two euros per cruise guest will be enforced from next month.

Cruise lines will be tasked with paying via the Janela Unica Logistica platform.

Cruise ship

The charge will be enforced from January 2024

GETTY

It will be up to individual cruise lines whether they pass this charge on to passengers, but it could come as an unexpected expense for some.

The fee could help bring in around 1.2 million euros (£1million) for Lisbon City Council.

It has attracted criticism from cruise lines, but the city's mayor has responded.

He shared a warning for cruise lines and explained they must cooperate.

Mayor Carlos Moedas said: "It is truly shameful that there is such great resistance on the part of operators to pay this tourist tax.

"As of January, I have already announced that if they don't [pay], I will make entry somewhat difficult.

"I can hinder the mobility of buses and I will do so if they don't pay."

Tourist taxes are common in holiday hotspots and they can help with the maintenance of popular cities.

Cruise guests face more restrictions at popular ports and countries as they impose new rules.

Lisbon

Tourist tax is common in holiday hotspots

GETTY

Those travelling to Spain have been hit by a war on cruises most recently.

The city has shut its north terminal which means around 340 ships will now need to dock further away at the Moll d'Adossat pier.

In a recent vote, Amsterdam City Council has agreed to shut down the cruise terminal.

If enforced, many popular cruise lines will need to dock elsewhere or cut Amsterdam from their schedules altogether.

The small Italian city has long struggled with an influx of tourists and large cruise ships have been banned from the city since 2021.

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