New Increase in Tourist Taxes Around the World
Recently, amid the growing popularity of tourism, leading attractions around the world are considering raising tourist taxes to regulate visitor flow and fund infrastructure.
This is reported by AgroReview
Increase in Tourist Taxes in Various Countries
In Greece, seasonal tourist fees are being introduced to address the issue of overcrowding during peak periods. In the low season (from November to March), the fee will be 2 euros per day, while in the high season (from April to October) it will be 8 euros per day. This approach encourages travel during off-peak months and helps evenly distribute tourist traffic. Additional funds will be directed towards climate adaptation and disaster prevention. On the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, an even higher tax of 20 euros per night will be charged.
In Italy, Venice has announced a trial tourist tax starting in 2024, which will apply during peak hours. Visitors entering the city from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on certain dates in April, May, June, and July will pay 5 euros.
The United Kingdom plans to introduce a tourist tax in Scotland starting July 2026, known as the visitor levy, which will amount to 5% of the cost of accommodation in hotels and rental apartments. This fee will apply to all bookings made after October 1, 2025.
In Portugal, starting January 2025, a fee of 2 euros per person per night will be implemented in the Azores, and taxes will also be collected in 13 cities, including Lisbon and Porto, to support local infrastructure.
The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, has increased the tourist tax to 12.5% of the accommodation cost. From 2025, cruise passengers will also pay higher fees: from 14 to 14.50 euros per person. These changes aim to manage tourism in the city and fund local services.
France is introducing a tiered tourist tax system based on the type of accommodation: palaces – 15.60 euros per night; five-star hotels – 11.38 euros; four-star hotels – 8.45 euros; campsites – 1.95 euros; unclassified accommodation – up to 15.60 euros. This initiative is part of France’s strategy to generate revenue from tourism infrastructure.
In Thailand, a new tourist tax will be introduced in mid-2025: 300 baht (approximately 7 USD) for visitors arriving by land and 150 baht (3.5 USD) for those arriving by sea. The funds raised will support tourism development and sustainability.
In Spain, the Balearic Islands will see a significant increase in the eco-tourism tax. During the high season, accommodation rates will rise from 4 to 6 euros per person per night, and for cruise passengers, the fee will increase from 2 to 6 euros per night. Authorities are also considering introducing a car rental fee, analyzing emission levels.
New Zealand has raised the international levy from 35 to 100 New Zealand dollars starting October 2024. These funds will be used to finance sustainable tourism projects and environmental conservation initiatives.
Japan is considering increasing the existing tourist tax from 1,000 yen to 5,000 yen per person to combat overtourism.
In Hawaii, a “climate impact tax” of 25 USD per visitor is planned for 2025. The funds raised will be directed towards environmental protection measures, such as beach maintenance and creating firebreaks.
These changes in tourist taxes reflect a global trend of using tourism taxes as tools to manage the impact of visitors, fund infrastructure, and promote environmentally friendly travel practices. Travelers should consider these additional costs and adjust their budgets accordingly while traveling.