Collection of tourist tax in Lisbon is “an example to the world” – TVI24

Airbnb online platform argued Friday that the collection of tourist tax Lisbon who overnight in the city is an “example to the world”, pointing to the need for a “more responsible behavior” in local accommodation.

the Airbnb is grateful for the opportunity to work with the City of Lisbon and support [their] hosts with these new measures, which are an example to the world “ holds responsible for the company’s marketing in Portugal, Arnaldo Muñoz, in a statement released today.

According to the representative,” Airbnb wants to lead its industry in this area, making it easier for the hosts financially support your city and develop its commitments within the local host community “of this platform.

so,” the new process now begins is completely automatic and simple ” guarantees.

at issue is an agreement signed by Airbnb and the house of Lisbon to be charged at the rate of one euro per night for up to seven euros, to tourists that they are accommodated in houses and rooms available on the site.

at the same time, the vinca platform that will work together with the municipality to “promote a more responsible role in local accommodation and ‘home sharing’, building an open and transparent community in the industry.”

the company also intends to promote “sustainable tourism development in harmony with other areas that help to make Lisbon a better place to live, work and travel.”

the measure comes in effect from May 1, the date from which the platform begins to make the collection and send in names of registered users with spaces for rent, the value of the tourist fee paid by visitors.

the amount will be added to the total paid by visitors on all stays in the city and returned to the local authority on a quarterly basis “ , you need to Airbnb.

also quoted by the press release, the councilor of Finance of the city, John Paul Scott, believes that this is “an important step to simplify the process of collecting the tourist tax and clarify the forms of operation of local accommodation. “

in his view, this sector has contributed to boost the city’s economy,” job creation and to supplement the family budget. “

Approved on 2014, the Municipal fee Tourism began to be applied to January 01 on overnight stays of domestic and foreign tourists in hotels or guest accommodation.

the initial estimate of the municipality, the majority PS, was to raise 15 7 million with the tourist rate this year, money that reverts to a tourism fund set up to finance investments in the city.

the House has not yet revealed is expected higher revenue, given the extension of the collection to Airbnb.

The platform charges a similar fee in Paris and Amsterdam.