Bari, the tourist tax arrives in spring: from 2 to 4 euros per day

In the Apulian city that records the highest number of arrivals (381,000 from January to October last) there is a little treasure to be devoted to the organization of events and services. the case of Bari which is ready to introduce the tourist tax on the strength of the 938,000 overnight stays recorded by the accommodation facilities (again from January to October 2022). Thus the “reform” of tourism will start from next March-April – certainly before the summer – and the administration led by Antonio Decaro is preparing the implementation regulation. In other words, under the direction of Ines Pierucci, councilor for culture and territorial marketing, a framework is emerging that is not only tax imposition, but a balance between taxes and the quality of the offer (cultural events, waste collection, cleaning and road conditions).

You pay for three nights

Here are the parameters already outlined even after the opinions expressed by the comparison table with the categories. But these are values ​​that could be integrated given that discussions are underway with the accounting offices. From an economic point of view, the tax will be 2 euros per day for structures up to 3 stars and for bed and breakfasts. It is a calculation that can be repeated with a maximum of three days (6 euros per person). The overnight stay in four and five-star structures is different: the rate increases to 4 euros per day (12 euros per person given the limit of three consecutive days). there is an exemption for children up to 12 years of age. According to the calculations of the Municipality, up to 2 million should be forfeited a year. The idea of ​​allocating these resources to organize cultural events, increase the effectiveness of waste collection (perhaps by eliminating the traditional scenes of full bins near Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Corso Cavour and Piazza Mercantile), improve traffic conditions and enhance the initiatives intended for tourists (not least rides on public transport). On the other hand, while waiting for the Bari Guest Card project to get underway, the cultural aspect must be supported to attract visitors. The reference to the events that can be organized between the four theaters in the centre: Margherita, Petruzzelli, Piccinni and Kursaal Santalucia. Locations that have shown that they know how to generate enthusiasm, but on the condition that they can offer high-level kermesses.