The regulation that defines the conditions of the applicability of the tax was published today in the Official Gazette, indicating the 2nd of May for its entry into force.

However, the Albufeira City Council informed today in a statement that the application "is suspended until the 20th of May, given that some constraints have arisen in the use of the payment software application".

Thus, "the start date for the collection is expected to be the 21st of May", refers the mayor of the municipality, José Carlos Rolo, quoted in the note.

Albufeira is considered the "capital municipality of tourism" in the Algarve, with more than 150 hotel units and more than 9,000 local accommodations.

With the entry into force of the collection of the tourist tax, Albufeira became part of the group of municipalities in the Algarve that receive an amount for overnight stays by tourists in the municipality, together with Portimão, Lagoa, Vila Real de Santo António, Faro and Olhão.

According to the regulation, the tax has a value of two euros between the 1st of April and the 31st of October and will be charged up to a maximum of seven consecutive nights to all guests aged 13 or over.

The measure applies to paid overnight stays in tourist developments, local accommodation establishments, campsites and caravan parks, regardless of the booking method (face-to-face, analogue, or via digital).

Guests whose stay is motivated by medical treatment, extending to a companion, upon presentation of proof of the appointment/provision of medical services or equivalent document, are exempt from the tax.

The measure also applies to guests who fall ill during their stay, or need medical care, upon presentation of proof and during the time they are ill.

According to the local authority, the amount collected from the tourist tax will be invested "in accessibility projects and enhancement of the coastline, in actions within the scope of climate change, sustainability and mobility and support for rescue and emergency forces".

The investments also cover the areas of "support for health, cultural heritage and promotion of cultural and sports activities, promotion and enhancement of tourism and new tourism products", concludes the note.

To clarify doubts about the entry into force of the tourist tax, the municipality will promote actions for those responsible for hotels and local accommodation, on the 10th and 14th of May.

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