The Spanish city of Barcelona has announced a major increase in its tourist tax, doubling the fee visitors pay when staying in hotels.

Previously, travelers paid between $6 and $9 per night. Under the new rules, that amount will rise to between $12 and $18 per night — making it one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe.

So why the sudden increase?

Barcelona welcomes nearly 16 million tourists each year. While tourism fuels the local economy, it has also driven rents sharply higher and reduced housing availability for residents. Entire neighborhoods have been transformed by short-term rentals.

Protests from locals have intensified in recent months, with many saying the city is becoming unaffordable for the people who actually live there.

Officials say part of the tax revenue will fund affordable housing projects. By 2028, the city also plans to ban short-term tourist apartment rentals altogether.

Barcelona isn’t closing its doors — but it is trying to regain balance.