New Port Tax for Sardinia, Italy

THE TRITON - Italy, Spain to tax visiting megayachts

In an attempt to bring more revenue to the region, the Sardinian regional council passed in a 42-12 vote to enforce a port tax more stringently on mega yachts this summer. Due once a year, to be charged to “pleasure yachts” visiting Sardinia, this new tax will cost mega yacht owners 15,000 euros. Mega yachts coming to Sardinia to participate in regattas and pleasure yachts that stay the whole year in the regional port structures are exempt. The port tax is due any time a boat reaches any port, landing pier or berth located in the regional territory between June 1 and Sept. 30.

Not everyone in the community is supporting this new port tax. “That’s how to kill off tourism,” replied Giorgio La Spisa, leader of the regional council’s Forza Italia group. “Thousands of people will be leaving Sardinia.” Now before you change your yachting plans, the Italian government is considering an appeal to Italy’s constitutional court to have the new port taxes thrown out. However, in the meantime, be prepared to pay when you come and visit Sardinia.