Malta’s government plans to raise its nightly charge on visitors from €1.50 to €10 per person. Meanwhile, a council in northern Fuerteventura has taken the first step towards a levy of its own. If you are pricing up a family holiday, here is a clear look at the Malta tourist tax, the Fuerteventura plan and what both could mean for your budget.
What’s changing with the Malta tourist tax
The increase was announced in Malta’s Budget 2027 speech. The tourist eco-contribution, currently €1.50 per person per night, is due to rise to €10 per person per night.
No start date has yet been confirmed for the higher rate. Nor has it been confirmed whether any groups, such as children, will be exempt. Treat the figure as announced rather than in force until the Maltese authorities publish the final details.
For a sense of scale, four people staying seven nights would pay €280 at the new rate, compared with €42 under the current charge.
Early reaction on the island
The announcement has drawn concern from some in Malta’s tourism trade. André Grech, who rents out properties to tourists, told Lovin Malta that four bookings were cancelled in the two days after the announcement. He said some were bookings carried over from an earlier period. Others came from families planning holidays in the quieter shoulder months.
In an Instagram post, he wrote:
“These were families, visiting Malta in shoulder months, the very visitors we say we want to attract.”
Grech also said he knew of no operators in his network who had been consulted before the decision. He has suggested a seasonal approach instead, with lower charges in quieter months and higher rates in summer. Lovin Malta noted that it has not been independently confirmed that the tax caused the cancellations.
Fuerteventura’s planned levy for Corralejo and El Cotillo
In the Canary Islands, La Oliva council has given initial approval to a tourist charge. It would cover Corralejo, El Cotillo and the rest of the municipality in northern Fuerteventura.
The sums involved are far smaller than Malta’s. Here are the key points:
- Rate: 56 cents per person per night.
- Where: tourist accommodation across the municipality, including holiday lets.
- Exemptions: children under three, and anyone who can prove they are a La Oliva resident.
- How it’s paid: your accommodation provider would collect it before the end of your stay and pass it to the council.
- Example cost: a couple staying seven nights would pay €7.84. A family of four with children aged three or over would pay €15.68 for a week.
The council says the money would help pay for services visitors rely on. These include beach lifeguards, cleaning, water supplies, emergency services and the upkeep of parks and infrastructure.
The charge is not yet in force. It must first pass through a public consultation period before it can be finalised and published, and no start date has been confirmed.
Two levies, very different sums
Side by side, the two plans show how widely tourist taxes can vary. A party of four spending a week in Malta would pay €280 at the new rate. The same group in La Oliva would pay €15.68 under the proposal.
La Oliva council says its busy resorts put extra pressure on services that residents also use, and the levy is meant to help cover that cost. For holidaymakers, the practical point is simple: the nightly rate, the size of your party and the length of your stay all add up.
Why it matters for UK travellers
Malta and the Canary Islands are both well-loved by British holidaymakers, so these changes are worth keeping in mind. The good news is that they are easy to plan around once the details are known.
How to budget for tourist taxes:
- Multiply the nightly rate by the number of people and nights. At the announced rate, a week in Malta would cost €70 per person.
- Ask your travel provider whether the charge is included in your package price or payable locally.
- Keep some euros to hand in case a charge is collected during your stay.
- Watch for confirmed start dates. Neither Malta’s new rate nor Fuerteventura’s levy has one yet.
Knowing the figures in advance means there are no surprises at check-out. It also leaves you free to focus on choosing the right hotel, flights and dates for your family.
Planning a trip?
Malta’s honey-coloured cities, clear coves and short flight times still make it a strong choice. The Canaries remain hard to beat for year-round sunshine. Browse our Malta holidays, explore Canary Islands holidays or see our latest Fuerteventura deals. Our team can tell you exactly what’s included before you book.
FAQs
How much will the Malta tourist tax be?
In its Budget 2027 speech, Malta’s government announced that the tourist eco-contribution will rise from €1.50 to €10 per person per night. Four people staying seven nights would pay €280. The start date and any exemptions have not yet been confirmed, so check with your travel provider before you go.
Is there a tourist tax in Fuerteventura?
Not yet. La Oliva council, which covers Corralejo and El Cotillo, has given initial approval to a charge of 56 cents per person per night. The plan still has to clear a public consultation, and no start date has been set. Children under three and La Oliva residents would be exempt.
Do I pay tourist tax at the hotel or is it in my package price?
It depends on the destination and your booking. Under Fuerteventura’s plan, accommodation providers would collect the charge from guests before the end of their stay. Payment arrangements for Malta’s new rate have not yet been detailed. Ask your tour operator whether the tax is included or payable locally.
