Commences Collection of Tourist Taxes Now
The municipality of Nordeste, situated on São Miguel Island, has recently joined the five other municipalities in implementing a tourist tax of €2 per night, effective from January 1, 2025. Previously, Nordeste was the only municipality unexempted from this levy, which aims to support sustainable tourism development and offset the strain on local infrastructure caused by increasing visitor numbers.
The tax, according to a notice published in DR, will generate an estimated annual revenue of €50,720 for Nordeste. These funds will be used to cover costs associated with the tourist population, including waste management, cleaning, and the development of support structures. The city council of Nordeste argues that the growth of tourism on São Miguel Island has put undue pressure on municipal infrastructures, leading to higher financial demands.
The tax is designed to fund sustainable infrastructure projects, environmental stewardship, and local economic growth by generating a dedicated revenue stream specifically for tourism-related and environmental initiatives. By unifying the tax across all municipalities, it ensures that the benefits of tourism contribute to the resilience and long-term sustainability of the region.
In response to the new tax, the City of Nordeste has launched a platform for economic operators in the tourism sector, available at https://taxaturistica.cmnordeste.pt for both desktop and mobile devices.
According to the Association of Municipalities of the Azores (AMRAA), all six municipalities on São Miguel Island will impose the tourist tax from January 1, 2025. The decision comes in response to the significant surge in tourist arrivals attracted by São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, hot springs, and coastal trails. The funds generated from the tax will be used to improve infrastructure, enhance the visitor experience, and protect the island’s natural assets.
The tourist tax, effective from January 1, 2025, aims to support the funding of sustainable infrastructure projects, environmental stewardship, and local economic growth within the tourism sector in Nordeste. Consequently, the revenue generated, estimated at €50,720 annually, will be dedicated towards managing costs related to the tourist population, such as waste management, cleaning, and developing support structures.
