Brussels will increase the tax on tourist accommodation in the capital by €1 following a draft ordinance submitted by the Regional Finance Minister Sven Gatz (Open VLD).
There are two types of tourist tax in the Brussels-Capital Region: one for hotels and one for "domestic" accommodations such as bed and breakfasts or campsites. As it stands, the first type is taxed nightly at €4 and the second at €3, including minor additional fees (a couple of cents) depending on the commune.
Consultations with industry stakeholders have brought both fees to €5 and €4 respectively, except for campsites, which will remain at €3. The rate for both categories is flat, cancelling out any municipal disparities.
The hike aims to compensate for revenue losses amassed during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as suspensions of the city tax, rent subsidies for temporarily unemployed people and business support bonuses. Significant cost increases in regional operations have also been caused by the energy crisis and inflation.
Current rates generate €19.1 million annually for the City of Brussels. Increased taxes are expected to result in an additional €5 million in revenue annually.
The 19 municipalities of Brussels will also receive at least €26.8 million from the tax on hotels.
