Madeiran businessman André Barreto, general director of Quintinha São João, has expressed strong discontent with the Funchal City Council's (CMF) proposal to double the municipal tourist tax. Via social media, Barreto described the measure as further evidence of a "fiscal robbery" environment that harms the private sector.
Barreto argues that the proposal lacks solid economic justification, especially given forecasts of a cooling tourism market. He criticizes the CMF for allegedly disregarding the macroeconomic context and for, unlike the state, being unable to collect additional amounts directly from clients, delegating this responsibility to hotels.
The businessman also raises concerns about double taxation, noting that businesses already pay various municipal fees for services that appear to serve similar purposes as the tourist tax. He questions the CMF's justifications of "opportunities" and "growing tourist pressure," deeming them unclear and contrary to market projections.
