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What Is a Tourist Tax?

city tax vs tourist tax

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Some tourist towns have a love-hate relationship with the tourists themselves. The towns need the tourists and the money they pump into the local economy, but sometimes there are too many people and things get a bit too crowded.

Several destinations have ways to charge visitors a fee, sometimes called a tourism tax, to both generate income from visitors and help offset overtourism.

What is a tourist tax, and how does it work?

A tourist tax is a fee someone visiting a city pays. It can be a fee for simply entering the city or country, or — more often — it takes the form of a fee that hotels and other accommodations charge overnight guests.

For example, Orange County, Florida, where most of the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort parks are, has a 6% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) on stays at any hotels and short-term rentals that are less than six months. In March 2024, that tax brought in more than $40 million, the highest monthly collection ever.

Florida law allows county governments to impose such taxes. Some localities call the lodging tax a city tax, often on a bill payable at checkout.

Another way to collect a tourism fee is upon entering a city or jurisdiction. Venice, Italy, for example, began charging a fee of $5.35 (5 euros) for each person entering the city for the day and not staying overnight. It is an experimental program for specific days between April 25 and July 14, 2024.

During the first 11 days of the tax, the city raised $1.05 million (977,430 euros), which is less than it cost to set up the system.

Other cities are looking at the day-tripper tax experiment in Venice to see if it might be an option for them.

Australia has a Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) of $40 (60 AUD) for people leaving Australia for another country. It’s part of every ticket a transportation company sells, and it goes to the government. New Zealand, meanwhile, charges inbound rather than outbound. It has the International Visitor Levy, a fee of $21 (35 NZD) that visitors must pay when entering the country.

Other countries have similar arrival or departure taxes.

One of the highest tourist taxes was in Bhutan, where visitors had to pay $200 per person per night in what it called the Sustainable Development Fee. That fee went down to $100 per person per night in 2023.

Tourist tax amounts can fluctuate. The city or country can adjust the tax seasonally or implement it during peak times like during festivals or outside of shoulder seasons . Taxes outlined in city, county or other types of ordinances can change annually or during government sessions.

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Why do places have tourist taxes?

When tourists visit a place, they visit areas where people live and work. An increase in visitors can strain infrastructure, damage the environment, increase traffic and even raise the cost of living.

The term overtourism describes this phenomenon, when the number of visitors negatively impacts the quality of life in an area, especially for locals.

Overtourism can cause rents and other prices to increase in some areas visitors frequent, sometimes causing a backlash with the locals.

Pre-pandemic, an anti-tourism movement was getting a lot of attention in cities such as Barcelona, Spain, a popular tourist destination with overnight guests and cruise ships, which bring thousands of visitors to the city each day.

The city recently increased the tax tourists pay for staying overnight.

Who has to pay tourist taxes?

In general, visitors to a city or area have to pay tourist taxes; however, there are often some exemptions, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of tax.

Children sometimes pay nothing or a reduced rate. The same goes for people with a disability.

For example, for the Venice day-tripper tax, people who live in Venice or were born in the city, minors under 14, people with a European Disability Card along with one person accompanying them, and members of the armed forces, police and other public safety entities are exempt from the fee.

Taxes for tourists are prevalent

Chances are, you already pay a tax for being a tourist. Many accommodations charge a bed or lodging tax as part of the nightly rate at a hotel or vacation rental.

Other fees are part of airline tickets. Tourists pay the fee when booking the ticket and then the company pays the appropriate government entity. They're sometimes called departure charges, arrival charges or something similar.

No matter how and how much tourists pay, the money is intended to go back into the communities.

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On a similar note...

city tax vs tourist tax

City tax (tourist tax)

A city tax (also called a tourist tax ) is a fee that is paid by inbound travelers when they stay in hotels, resorts, B&Bs , hostels , vacation rentals , or other types of accommodation in many European cities. It’s implemented as a means to support local infrastructure and improve the tourism sector.

A city tax is not included in the room rate and is usually paid at check out. The amount depends on the type of accommodation, its location, and the season. 

Depending on city regulations, a tourist tax amount can be a percentage of the room rate or a fixed fee (applied per person per night). A fixed fee also sometimes depends on the room type . For example, in Paris, the city tax varies from €0.25 (1 and 2-star campsites) to €5 (palaces). In Manchester, overnight guests are charged £1 per night per room. In Amsterdam, it’s 7 percent of the room rate plus €3 per person per night.

Common exemptions include children (age varies), people with disabilities, bus drivers, tour guides, and some other categories.

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What is the tourist city tax and who is charging it?

city tax vs tourist tax

By reading this article, you will find out exactly what a tourist city tax is, who is charging it, and, more importantly, why is it being charged?

If you’ve recently visited Europe, you might have been asked to pay a tourist city tax. Most travelers out there wonder if this practice is legal, as they don’t know exactly what it means. However, there is a large number of European countries and cities that have implemented this so-called tourist city tax. 

Therefore, we are here to answer all of your questions related to it. By reading this article, you will find out exactly what a tourist city tax is, who is charging it, and, more importantly, why is it being charged? 

Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

The history of the tourist city tax Up until recently, people didn’t actually realize they were charged a tourist city tax. Yes, that’s true, you were probably being charged with one of these fees if you have visited Europe in the past 20 years. 

Reportedly, the city of Paris introduced a fee similar to what we know today as tourist city tax way back in 1994. At that time, plenty of other countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands, were charging this fee. 

The reason for which nobody was noticing is that it was actually incorporated in the accommodation price. So, if you ever thought that the prices seem a little bit inflated, it was because of this fee. 

However, things have evolved, and apartment stays and B&B services appeared on the market out of a sudden. Let’s see how this fact influenced the tourist city tax and made it be excluded out of the accommodation price and actually charged in cash when a customer is leaving a certain hotel. 

The reason behind the tourist city tax First of all, it is entirely legal – therefore, don’t worry; you haven’t been scammed if you were asked to pay such a fee. According to various sources, the tourist city tax was implemented because of the poor economy of some countries and cities. 

As the state of the economy was decreasing, the municipalities of some cities were having a hard time maintaining the infrastructure of the respective cities. Therefore, they came up with a fee that applies to non-residents, in order to alleviate some of the problems they were facing. 

For example, in Milano, the tax has been in force since the 1st of September 2012. One of the regional laws that describe this fee states that hotels and non-hotels are both seen as accommodation facilities and, therefore, they should demand such fee from their customers. 

So, you are likely to be charged such a fee if you stay in hotels, motels, and touristic residences. Moreover, you can also be charged if you rent a vacation home, a mountain hut, a hiking shelter, apartments, or stay in youth hostels, or any type of outdoor accommodations. 

How is the tourist city tax applied? Usually, the fees apply to one person and for one day of stay. You will most likely be asked to pay this tax in cash, at the moment you check-out out of your accommodation.   In Rome, for example, the tax changes according to the type of accommodation you are staying in. If you have a room in a 3-star hotel, you will have to pay two Euros per person, per night. However, if you stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel, you will have to pay three Euros per person, per night. 

On the other hand, in Amsterdam, Berlin, and Cologne, the tourist city tax is 5% of your hotel room bill. Moreover, you might be required to pay such a fee for your children as well – but Italy does not usually charge individuals that are under 14 or 16 years old. 

It’s important to remember that the tourist city tax has to be paid for a maximum of ten nights spent in a certain hotel or type of accommodation that charges this fee. That said, if you book a multiday tour with accommodation stays etc. on tour and holiday booking portal such as Bookmundi, the price they list is included includes Tourist City Tax. 

Furthermore, not only European countries seem to be affected by this tax. We say affected because a lot of people don’t realize that they were going to pay it anyway, even if it was hidden in the accommodation price or not. Reportedly, Dubai and America have also introduced tourist city taxes. 

Where does the tourist city tax go? As we mentioned before, the municipality of the city is responsible for the city tax – they charge it and they take it. We also said that the money resulted from the tourist city tax is used to fix certain economic problems. It is usually used to support and develop the local tourist industry, while in some countries, the money is used to raise revenue for government departments that have been hard-pressed.

Therefore, you don’t have to think wrong of the tourist city tax, as in most countries, it is used to improve your stay there. For example, in Catalonia, Spain, this tax has helped raise around 126 million Euros – which has been equally split between town halls, local tourism boards, and the Catalan Tourism Agency. 

The bottom line So, now you know exactly what a tourist city tax is – it’s basically a fee that you’ve always been paying if you’ve visited some popular European cities and is used to support the development of tourism in those areas. 

Most tourists are quite scared about this tax, but for no reason at all. It’s true, we don’t like the fact that we’re being charged a fee just because we are tourists, but this is how things work and this is how local accommodation communities get the support they need, especially if they are located in countries with a poor economy. 

For example, take a look at Greece, a country that’s been in economic crisis and recovering from it for a long time. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the accommodation there is quite cheap as well – we wouldn’t mind having to pay some extra euros to support it, right? 

We hope that our article made you understand better the purpose of this tourist city tax so that the next time you are asked for one you don’t get all confused and you can just enjoy your stay!

Stavros Andriopoulos

Stavros Andriopoulos

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What is tourist tax and will you have to pay it in Europe this summer?

Although tourist tax isn't a new concept, an increasing number of destinations are starting to impose the charge on travellers. Don't get caught out by these often hidden costs — here's everything you need to know about tourist tax in Europe.

In April, hundreds of local residents marched through Venice to protest at a new €5 (£4.20) fee being charged to day visitors. Separate from the nightly tourist tax already applied to accommodation, the new charge forms part of a three-month trial initiated to help curb overtourism at peak times. Anyone entering must show a pre-paid QR code, something many residents regard as an imposition against their freedom and, for the small sum being charged, unlikely to act as a deterrent anyway.

However, such tourist taxes aren’t breaking news — Bhutan has been asking visitors to pay a hefty one since 1974 (it’s recently been reduced to £78 per day). But the number of cities implementing such measures or increasing existing taxes, is rapidly growing, especially across Europe. And, while tax doesn’t have to be confusing, it generally is, with different charges being applied under different names, rules and stipulations. Here’s what you need to know about paying tourist tax in Europe this summer.

What is tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small daily charge, typically applied to your hotel bill, paid as a one-off payment at immigration or tacked onto your airfare. As these taxes are government-applied levies, they’re mandatory, meaning you’ll often have to pay them before you’re able to check in. Seen as a way of addressing some of the more negative impacts of tourism, such as too many visitors and environmental degradation, they also purport to give back to local economies. Natalia Bayona, executive director of UN Tourism says: “Tourist taxes can play a significant role in how destinations manage tourism flows. But the implementation of these fees is also designed to deliver more of the economic benefits that tourism offers back to the host communities.”

Yet, as in Venice, they can be controversial. The European Tourism Association (ETOA), a trade body that promotes tourism within Europe, is against tourist levies. “They impose the burden of payment on those who choose to stay in the destination,” says Tom Jenkins, CEO of ETOA. “They’re imposed at short notice to plug an urgent fiscal gap. It’s a fallacy that they’re a control measure.”

Due to the absence of a universal system, they’re complex, too. Each country or city can charge what and how they like, making it a job to know what you’re looking for on your bill or factor the exact cost into your holiday. Some taxes are charged at a flat rate, while others are a percentage of your accommodation bill or absorbed into the room rate. The type of accommodation or star rating of a hotel also makes a difference, as does seasonality and the age of children. For example, Venice’s overnight tax can be anything up to €5 (£4.20) per night, depending on the type of hotel, location and time of year and the charge applies to anyone over the age of 10 for up to five consecutive days. In Lisbon, it’s €2 (£1.70), although there’s a proposal to hike it to €4 (£3,40) per night for periods of up to a week for visitors aged 13 and over.

Why do destinations charge tourist tax?

Fundamentally, tourist taxes are there to bring in revenue, whether that’s for the general upkeep of the city, to improve tourism or to impose sustainability initiatives. Although Simone Venturini, the deputy mayor for Social Welfare, Tourism, Health and Economic Development in Venice suggests the new day-tripper tax “aims to raise awareness of the protection and respect of the city and is not to make money”.

The taxes are also seen as a way of cracking down on the vast number of visitors in certain destinations, especially at peak times, particularly to protect sights at risk of damage due to heavy footfall. Additionally, they’re a way for local authorities to reimburse money for services normally paid for by residents that are shared with tourists, or to initiate some sort of tourism budget.

Whether they’re an effective solution in combating an influx of people and protecting the environment is yet to be seen. But with worldwide tourism figures reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, governments are eagerly looking for new sources of income.

( What’s the problem with overtourism? )

How is tourist tax used?

Each local authority will have different reasons for collecting tourist tax and different pots the income will be allocated to. Some openly share where the money is going: Bali’s recent entry taxation of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (£7.20) per person has, according to the official tourism website , been put towards protecting the island's natural habitats, strengthening local culture and improving tourism services and heritage. Venturini says that the revenue from overnight tourist tax in Venice “has ensured better services for a unique city that has higher maintenance costs than the rest of the world. The historic centre is swept by hand as trucks or other mechanical means cannot be used. Similarly, traffic travels by water and not by land, with all the consequences that entails”.

A bridge stands over a canal with boats on the water

What do travellers need to know about tourist tax?

The key thing to know is if you’re likely to be charged for overnight stays, and, if you are, how this will be levied. While most places will accept payment via card, there’s likely to still be some that charge cash, so arrive prepared. Also check whether you have to pay two tourist taxes for one stay. Barcelona recently increased its overnight tax from €3.25 (£2.75), but visitors also have to pay a regional Catalonia charge, making the total €6.75 (£5.70) per person, per night. And Paris is the same, with both taxes being doubled to fund transport costs during the upcoming Olympics.

The fees are ever-changing, too. Amsterdam has recently raised its tourist tax to 12.5% — the highest in Europe. Some winter sun spots have caught on: Portugal’s Algarve has just introduced a tax, while both the Canary Islands and Tenerife are mooted to be introducing theirs in 2025. Alternatively, the new government in Spain’s Valencia has scrapped plans for a tax, the president deeming it to be ​​“unfair and unnecessary”. And different places refer to the tourist tax by different names: Greece recently changed the name of its tax to a ‘climate crisis resilience fee’.  

In the UK, different laws mean taxes differ from country to country. Scotland has recently introduced a levy, while the Welsh government is considering how best to give local authorities power. Despite no law in England, some small Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been set up by groups of hotels to charge taxes in the likes of Manchester, Liverpool and Dorset, including Bournemouth. Next year, the EU will also implement a new tourist visa for non-EU citizens costing €7 (£6).

Is there a better solution?

According to Bayona, a well-designed tourism tax can be beneficial to destinations. However, Zaid Alrawadieh, a senior lecturer in hospitality and tourism operations at Oxford Brookes University says: “I believe that the benefit-sharing approach is more sensible to offset the negative impacts of tourism. Some hotels already do so by offering guests free drink vouchers if they reuse their towels or don’t have their room cleaned. This is a win-win approach whereby the hotel reduces operating costs and the guest sees some benefit.”

In essence, tourist taxes might not deter heavy footfall yet, but they do seem to be highlighting a need for visitors to at least tread more carefully.

( What you need to know about European travel this summer .)

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city tax vs tourist tax

Tourist Tax Explained: How It Works and How It Affects Your Travel

Introduction.

Tourist taxes are a common element of travel, popping up in many countries worldwide. For travelers, it’s crucial to understand these taxes to budget effectively for trips. But what exactly is a tourist tax, and why do different countries impose it? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tourist taxes, from how they work to where they are charged.

How Does Tourism Tax Work?

Local governments charge tourism tax, also known as a visitor or occupancy tax, to travelers. Hotels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations commonly add this tax to your bill. In some cases, you may also pay tourist taxes as entry or departure fees at airports and seaports.

How It’s Collected:

  • The tax is often a fixed amount per night. For example, a hotel in Paris might charge $2.70 USD per night per person as a tourist tax.
  • In other cases, the tax is a percentage of the accommodation cost. For instance, some U.S. cities impose a 5% tourist tax on the total hotel bill.
  • The fee is typically collected when you book your stay or upon check-out.

The revenue generated from tourist taxes goes towards:

  • Maintaining tourist attractions (e.g., parks, museums).
  • Funding public infrastructure like roads, public transport, and airports.
  • Supporting environmental conservation efforts to mitigate tourism’s impact.

Example: In Barcelona , Spain, tourists pay an additional fee ranging from $0.70 to $2.50 USD per night, depending on the type of accommodation. This revenue helps manage the city’s tourism infrastructure and preserve historic sites.

Why Do Countries Impose Tourist Taxes?

Tourist taxes are primarily imposed to generate revenue that supports the tourism industry and local communities. Here are the key reasons:

  • Infrastructure Maintenance: Tourist taxes help maintain essential infrastructure like roads, public transportation, and airports.
  • Environmental Protection: Many popular tourist destinations use these funds to protect and preserve natural environments.
  • Crowd Control: High tourist taxes can help reduce overcrowding in popular destinations, promoting a more sustainable approach to tourism.

Example: The Balearic Islands in Spain (including Mallorca and Ibiza) introduced an “Eco-Tax” in 2016. This tax is used to fund projects related to environmental conservation and historical preservation.

What Types of Tourist Taxes Exist?

Tourist taxes come in various forms, depending on the country or region. The most common types include:

  • Accommodation Tax: Charged per night on hotel stays or vacation rentals. This can be a fixed amount (e.g., $3 USD per night) or a percentage of the room rate (e.g., 10%).
  • Departure Tax: A fee collected when you leave a country. For example, Japan imposes a “Sayonara Tax” of 1,000 yen ($9 USD) on all departing travelers.
  • Eco-Tax: Levied to support environmental projects in tourist-heavy areas. Often found in countries with a strong focus on sustainable tourism, like Costa Rica.

Examples of Taxes on Tourists:

  • France: France has a “Taxe de Séjour,” or stay tax, which varies depending on the type and location of the accommodation. It can range from $0.20 to $4.30 USD per night.
  • Italy: In Rome, tourists pay up to $7.50 USD per night, depending on the star rating of their accommodation.

Is There a Tourist Tax in America?

The United States does not have a nationwide tourist tax . However, many states and cities impose an occupancy tax on accommodations such as hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. This tax is sometimes referred to as a “lodging tax,” “transient occupancy tax,” or “bed tax.” Click to read more about Hotel Tax Exemption .

  • New York City: Imposes a 14.75% hotel occupancy tax plus a $3.50 USD per night unit fee.
  • Las Vegas: Charges a 13.38% room tax on hotel stays.

Note: The tax rates can vary significantly from one state or city to another. These taxes help fund local tourism boards and maintain infrastructure.

Do Tourists Have to Pay Sales Tax in the USA?

Yes, tourists are required to pay sales tax on goods and services purchased in the United States. This tax is added to the price of most items, and the rate varies by state.

Variation in Rates:

  • Some states, like Oregon and Delaware, have no sales tax , while others, like California, impose rates over 7% .
  • Local counties and cities may add their own taxes, pushing rates even higher.

Example: If you buy a souvenir in Los Angeles, California, you will pay an additional 9.5% in sales tax on top of the item’s price.

Important: Unlike in some other countries, sales tax in the USA is generally non-refundable for tourists, so it’s wise to factor this into your travel budget.

How Much is Tourist Tax Refund in the USA?

In the United States, tourists typically do not receive a refund on tourist or sales taxes. Sales taxes are imposed by individual states and local governments, making it difficult to process refunds for travelers. This is different from the VAT refund policy in many European countries.

What Country Has the Highest Tourist Tax?

Several countries impose high tourist taxes to support their tourism infrastructure. Here’s a quick overview of some of the highest tourist taxes around the world:

Example: In Venice , Italy, tourists are charged up to $10 USD per night during the peak season. The revenue is used to maintain the city’s historic sites and manage tourism’s environmental impact.

Examples of Tourist Taxes

Here’s a breakdown of tourist taxes in various popular destinations:

  • Japan: Charges a Sayonara Tax of 1,000 yen (~$9 USD) on departure.
  • France: Imposes a taxe de séjour (tourist tax) that ranges from $0.20 to $4.30 USD per night, depending on the accommodation type.
  • Spain: In the Balearic Islands, tourists pay an Eco-Tax of up to $2.70 USD per night .
  • Greece: Charges a stayover tax ranging from $0.50 to $4.50 USD per night, based on the hotel’s star rating.

How to Calculate Tourist Tax?

Calculating tourist tax can vary depending on the country and accommodation. Here’s how you can estimate it:

  • Check the tax rate: Find out the specific rate for your destination (e.g., $2.50 USD per night).
  • Multiply by the number of nights: If the rate is $2.50 USD and you stay for 5 nights, the total tax is $2.50 x 5 = $12.50 USD .
  • Add this to your accommodation cost: Be prepared to pay this amount upon booking or check-out.

Example: In Paris , if you stay at a 4-star hotel for 3 nights, the tourist tax may be around $2.70 USD per night. Therefore, the total would be $2.70 x 3 = $8.10 USD .

Are There Tourist Tax Exemptions?

Yes, some countries and regions offer exemptions or reductions for certain travelers:

  • Children: Many destinations exempt children under a certain age (often under 12 years) from paying tourist taxes.
  • Students: Some countries offer discounts or exemptions for student travelers.
  • Long-Term Stays: Certain places exempt travelers who stay beyond a set number of nights (e.g., over 30 days).

Example: In Barcelona , Spain, tourists staying for more than 7 nights are only charged for the first 7 nights of their stay.

How Do Tourist Taxes Impact Local Economies?

Tourist taxes play a vital role in supporting local economies:

  • Infrastructure: Funding from tourist taxes helps build and maintain roads, airports, and public transport systems.
  • Environmental Conservation: In destinations like the Maldives, these taxes help protect natural resources and biodiversity.
  • Economic Balance: Tourist taxes also help alleviate the impact of mass tourism, reducing the strain on local communities.

Example: The Netherlands uses funds from its tourist tax to maintain Amsterdam’s canals, museums, and other historic sites.

How Tourist Taxes Impact Your Travel Planning

Tourist taxes can affect your travel budget, especially if you are visiting popular tourist destinations with higher tax rates. For example, choosing a less tourist-heavy location could reduce your overall accommodation costs. It’s also wise to check the local tourist tax rates before booking a hotel to avoid surprises at check-out. By understanding these taxes, you can make informed decisions, travel within your budget, and even explore new destinations that fit your financial plans.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Tourist Taxes?

  • Provides essential revenue for local infrastructure and services.
  • Promotes sustainable tourism by funding conservation efforts.
  • Helps manage tourist flow and reduces the impact on local resources.
  • Increases travel costs for tourists.
  • Can deter budget-conscious travelers from visiting certain destinations.
  • Variations in tax rates and policies can cause confusion among tourists.

Wrap-Up Summary: The Essentials of Tourist Tax

Tourist taxes are an integral part of the travel industry, helping destinations manage tourism sustainably while maintaining their attractions. From accommodation taxes to departure fees, understanding these charges is key to planning a hassle-free trip. While they can increase travel costs, the benefits often include better infrastructure, preserved sites, and a more sustainable travel experience.

Navigating tourist taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. By being aware of the taxes you might encounter and how they support local economies, you can travel more responsibly.

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The pros and cons of a tourist tax

Visitor levies can boost tourism but a lack of transparency troubles critics

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1. Pro: pays for costs of tourism

2. con: consumer spending squeeze, 3. pro: avoids overtourism, 4. con: discourages visitors, 5. pro: supports investment, 6. con: lack of transparency.

Visitors to Wales could soon be paying more for an overnight stay amid plans to introduce a tourism tax in the country.

If the plans are confirmed Wales would follow in the footsteps of Manchester , which has introduced a tourist tax for people making overnight stays in the city and comes into operation tomorrow, said the BBC .

Many destinations around the world have tourism taxes, noted VisaGuide , including Barcelona, Venice, Thailand and Slovenia. It has proven a controversial topic though, with disagreement over whether it boosts the tourism industry or threatens its very survival.

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Supporters say a tourism tax can lead to the increasingly elusive goal of a well-managed, sustainable, and lucrative tourism industry, with the costs of tourism being picked up in a well-run way.

Recommending that the Welsh government should introduce a tourist tax, the Bevan Foundation argued that such a move would “help to reflect the true costs of tourism” such as “clearing up litter, providing car parking, keeping beaches clean” and “building public footpaths”.

Some feel that adding yet more pounds to the cost of a holiday is dangerous during a cost-of-living crisis. The tourism sector in Edinburgh is, for the most part, “vocally opposed to the introduction of a tourist tax, particularly in the current economic climate”, claimed Holyrood magazine.

Marc Crothall of the Scottish Tourism Alliance told the outlet that 60% of visitors are domestic, who “may at present be reaching a tipping point due to a consumer spending squeeze”.

By increasing the cost to visit certain areas, a tourist tax can help reduce overcrowding and make the experience more enjoyable. This can help avoid “overtourism” – where locals or visitors feel that there are too many tourists, leading to deterioration in quality of life.

For instance, Bhutan has “only ever been reluctantly open to tourists”, said The Times , but now the mountain kingdom is “cranking its tourism tax to an eye-watering level” by charging up to $200 (£161) a day in tax.

The flipside is that by increasing the cost of visiting a particular location, tourism taxes could discourage some tourists from choosing destinations that actively want more visitors.

Some “deem this sort of levy unnecessary or even detrimental to the sector – driving away visitors or limiting their spending during their visit”, said accountants Knights Lowe . However, in a poll, hoteliers in Manchester voted 80% in favour of the tourist tax, said EuroNews , suggesting that fears it could damage tourism are not widespread.

A tourist tax can generate additional cash for the local government and tourism industry, which can be used to fund infrastructure and services that benefit tourists and residents alike.

“From signage to facilities to the myriad of public realm improvements that make places attractive”, tourism infrastructure comes “at public cost”, said the Bevan Foundation, and “while the public do benefit, so too does the tourism industry”, so both parties should chip in.

Some suspect that tourism taxes will simply disappear into wider local authority budgets. Perhaps the “largest challenges” of a tourism tax is “ensuring transparency around how it’s used”, said Rosie Spinks on Skift .

If the money “just goes into a general pot because local finances are strained”, said Tim Fairhurst, secretary general of the non-profit European Tourism Association, and if it’s just seen as “a classic ‘tourists don’t vote, you can get easy money off them’”, then that is “not a smart way to go”.

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Tourist tax: These are the destinations you’ll have to pay to enter

Sunset view of the Grand Canal

The concept of a tourist tax isn’t a new one. City tax has long been the norm for many countries in Europe such as Greece , Spain and Germany , and hotel tax is standard across many destinations, including US states. The impact of covid on the travel industry was severe – hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues closed, people who relied on tourism for their livelihoods suddenly faced huge losses, and money that the government relied on for development and maintenance was depleted. As a result, while travel continues to normalise post-pandemic, many countries have decided to implement a tourist tax to boost economies and reinvigorate locals. Below, we take a look at what exactly tourist tax is, and which countries are introducing the measure for 2024.

A top view on the most famous temple of Bhutan

What is tourist tax?

Originally, tourist tax was introduced by certain governments to temper over-tourism and generate income from large numbers of travellers entering the destination. Bhutan, for example, has asked tourists to pay a significant sum of money to enter since it opened to travellers in 1974. The country uses the tax (called the Daily Sustainable Development Fee) in an attempt to preserve the country’s natural, undisturbed beauty and to protect traditional Buddhist culture. Similarly, Barcelona uses the city’s tourist tax to fund construction and development projects locally – typically it is around €5 per day per person. Most tourist taxes are added onto the cost of your accommodation.

Tourist tax These are the destinations youll have to pay to enter

Which destinations are imposing tourist taxes in 2024?

  • In Italy , Venice is charging day tourists a fee as of spring 2024. Day-trippers are required to pay a fee of €5 a day, while the rate for overnight visitors ranges between €1 and €5 per night
  • The Indonesian government announced a tourist tax on travellers visiting Bali from 14 February 2024 of roughly £7.35
  • In 2024, the UK is imposing a new system called an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), whereby visitors from the US, Europe, Australia and Canada will be required to apply for permission and pay to enter the country
  • Next year, the EU will begin implementing a new tourist visa, whereby non-EU citizens travelling from outside the Schengen zone will need to fill out a €7 application to enter the country
  • As of 1 October 2024, New Zealand's tourist tax triples – tourists entering the country must pay a fee of NZ$100, up from NZ$35

woman carrying basket of flowers

Which destinations currently impose tourist tax?

The below destinations impose tourist taxes on travellers entering the country, but the amount of tax charged changes frequently. We have included some guidance on projected costs, but make sure you check with your accommodation or the tourism board for each destination before travelling to be sure how much you need to pay.

  • Austria : the cost of tourist tax is typically added onto your accommodation bill, and is around 3.2 per cent in Vienna
  • Belgium : in Brussels tourist tax is mainly below £3.50, and is added onto your accommodation bill, but it varies from city to city
  • Bhutan : until September 2027, the Daily Sustainable Development Fee in Bhutan has dropped to $100 for adults
  • Bulgaria : tourist tax in Bulgaria varies on destination and hotel standard, but it is usually below £1.30
  • Caribbean Islands: most of the Caribbean islands charge tourist tax, and the price ranges depending on the island – in St Lucia , for example, it is around $3 to $6, whereas in the Dominican Republic it is higher but usually incorporated into package holiday and airline fees
  • Croatia : the cost of tourist tax in Croatia depends on the season you are travelling in and where you are staying
  • Czech Republic: in Prague, tourist tax typically costs around CZK 50 per night (around £1.71).
  • France : here tourist tax is based on the level of accommodation, and ranges from less than one Euro for campsite stays to more than 10 Euros for five-star hotel stays
  • Germany : it varies from city to city – in Berlin, the standard tourist tax is five per cent of the accommodation price
  • Greece : the price you pay in Greece depends on the standard and size of your accommodation. It shouldn’t be more than £3.50 per night
  • Hungary : travellers should expect to pay four per cent of the cost of accommodation per night in Budapest
  • Indonesia: from Wednesday 14 February 2024, travellers will have to pay 150,000 rupiah (£7.60) upon entering Bali
  • Italy : The tourist tax depends on the city. However, as of September 2024, authorities are considering raising it to €25 in some areas
  • Japan : If you travel to Japan , expect to pay 1,000 yen (about £5.50) in tourist tax
  • Malaysia : in 2023, the cost of tourist tax across Malaysia is roughly £1.70 per night
  • Portugal: charges tourist tax in 13 cities, including Lisbon and Porto . The cost is €2 per night in high season (April to October)
  • The Netherlands : the amount of tourist tax differs per municipality. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most expensive places for tourist tax – in 2024, the rate was increased from seven per cent to 12.5 per cent of accommodation price
  • Switzerland : the price of tourist tax here varies depending on the destination, and it ranges from about CHF 2 (£1.81) to CHF 7 (£6.34) per person per night
  • Slovenia : again, the rate changes from destination to destination (it is higher in cities than in more rural areas), but generally the cost is around €3
  • Spain : several cities in Spain have recently decided to raise the price of tourist tax, and other cities are in discussions about following suit. In Barcelona , the fee is €4 (£3.48), whereas in the Balearic Islands the fee is between €1 (87p)
  • USA: when travelling to the USA from the UK, visitors need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which is a type of visa allowing travellers to stay in the country for up to 90 stays. It is valid for two years. The cost of an ESTA is $21 (about £17)

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Brief Travel Is Taxing in More Ways Than One

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For 10 years leading up to 2020, the U.S. tourism industry was thriving. Tourism taxes accounted for nearly 6% of state and local tax collections. Then came the pandemic and everyone stayed home. A strong sector of the economy suddenly collapsed. One-third of travel jobs were lost , travel spending declined by nearly $500 billion and states lost billions of dollars in tax revenue.

In 2019, tourism generated $180 billion in tax revenues for federal, state and local governments. During the pandemic’s early days, tourism-reliant states were hit hard by declining revenues. Hawaii initially projected $300 million in lost tax collections and 6,000 jobs. New York City lost $1.2 billion in tax revenue. Nevada faced a bleak economic outlook when visitor spending declined by 52.2% from the previous year. While traditional tourist destinations faced massive losses, rural areas across America saw an uptick in travelers.

Rural areas near state and national parks saw visitor numbers grow as more people sought outdoor recreation as a lower COVID-19 risk alternative. Airbnb reported a rise in homes booked in rural areas in 2021. In Jackson Hole, Wyo. , lodging tax revenue hit record highs. Tourism tax revenue in Arkansas totaled $20.54 million in 2021, 16.7% higher than 2019 collections. While increased tourism is beneficial for state revenue, it also comes with costs. Areas that experienced a boom in visitors faced a new problem- additional stress on state and local resources.

The sudden shift to domestic rural travel during the pandemic highlights the need for policymakers to think about the burdens tourists place on state and local resources. Gini Pingenot , director of external affairs at Colorado Counties Inc., reported a lack of sufficient infrastructure to host the number of visitors that came to Colorado. In addition, individuals who live in popular tourist areas are being priced out of the communities in which they work. Both these issues reverberate in other rural areas where tourism boomed because of COVID-19. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Montana found 38% of residents disagreed that increased tourism improved the quality of life for Montana residents (the most recorded since 1992). Negative sentiment among locals in highly traveled areas has some state lawmakers modifying tourism tax legislation.

Tourism tax revenues are typically earmarked. For example, some states earmark lodging tax revenue to promote tourism. To tackle issues brought on by shifting travel preferences to small rural communities, legislators have changed the ways tourism tax revenue can be allocated. In Washington County Utah—home to Zion National Park—legislators passed a bill to increase spending flexibility for lodging tax revenue. It is no longer required to be spent on tourism promotion. Colorado legislators passed a bill to allow county lodging taxes to support affordable housing in an effort to combat rising costs in areas with heavy tourism.

The national average gas price reached a record high of $4.60 per gallon in May 2022. This year, more than 50% of Americans plan to take a domestic vacation, according to AAA. Only 42% of those travelers said gas prices would not affect their plans.

Business Tourism

Whereas domestic leisure travel is on the rise, domestic business travel continues to struggle and currently accounts for only 14% of travel spending, down from 26% in 2019. Between 2020 and 2021, $391 billion in travel spending was lost as employers halted business travel. The revenue that came from business accommodations, airfare, car rentals and event spaces plummeted at the start of the pandemic. Business travel has since resumed, but it has changed. Businesses may be forced to reduce the size or change the location of events to comply with COVID restrictions. Companies also continue to rely on video conferences and meetings.

There are conflicting opinions on the recovery of business travel. Deloitte reported likely improvement of corporate travel demand in the first half of 2022 but warned that travel was unlikely to reach near 2019 levels. The U.S Travel Association found that eight in 10 travel managers reported changes to business travel policies, including fewer business trips. The association forecasts business travel will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2024. Yet, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines report promising business travel numbers. Hotel companies also show more optimism in business travel recovery. Hilton expects business travel to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022.

Considerations for Legislators

Policymakers seeking to capitalize economically on tourism can consider several approaches:

  • Examine travel trends. Being prepared puts states in a better position to mitigate the negative impacts of increased tourism. Every state has a tourism office that collects travel data. Collaboration with that office will help policymakers develop effective tourism policies.
  • Ensure coordination among the agencies with a role in tourism. State tourism offices, history preservation agencies, state park offices and transportation departments are some of the agencies where collaboration benefits state tourism.
  • Assess the taxes imposed on tourist activities. The World Travel and Tourism Council warns that high tourism taxes can have a negative impact on revenue collected by deterring travelers from visiting a destination or leading to shorter stays to cut costs. Likewise, organizations and businesses hosting large events and conventions may be discouraged from visiting destinations with high tax rates. Local businesses dependent on tourist spending are also affected by high tax rates. Consumers may choose to spend less locally to offset the costs of accommodations, car rentals and airfare. On the other hand, tourism taxes can allow local governments to pay for services in the community.

Below are tables of state tax rates on lodging and car rentals.

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How much is Paris tourist tax? 2024 rates explained

25 Jan 2024, 17:31 by Sam Taylor

Tourists in front of the eiffel tower in Paris

The tourist tax visitors must pay when staying in Paris has increased. So how much is the tax and do you need to pay it on a school trip to Paris ? Here's everything you need to know.

How much is Paris tourist tax 2024?

The amount of euros adults must pay is calculated by person by night and varies depending on the star-rating of their hotel.

How much has Paris tourist tax increased by?

Paris City Hall has decided to increase Paris tourist tax by 200% for the year 2024. The decision was made to support Île-de-France Mobilités—responsible for public transport including the metro & bus—in transporting the greater numbers of passengers expected in the city for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

How do I pay Paris tourist tax?

Paris tourist tax is paid directly to your hotel in euros via cash or card. At certain hotels it is possible to pay in advance, in which case you will send us the payment and we will pay the hotel on your behalf via bank transfer ahead of your trip.

Do school students need to pay tourist tax in Paris?

No. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from the Paris tourist tax rules. Paris tourist tax only applies to adults on the trip who 18 years old and above.

Why do I have to pay Paris tourist tax?

Visitors aged 18 years and over staying in hotels, aparthotels and furnished rentals during their stay in Paris must pay tourist tax. Tourist tax is commonplace across Europe including popular holiday destinations such as Rome,  Milan, Naples & Venice .

The tourist tax has increased by 200% ahead of the 2024 Olympics in order to help support the continued operation of public transport.

More about school trips to Paris

  • How your school trip to Paris is financially protected
  • Essential checks you need to make before travelling to Paris

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Destinations behind a paywall? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

Portrait of Kathleen Wong

Travelers to Venice will have to pay up to see its historic canals and islands, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To regulate heavy tourist traffic and “protect residents,” the City of Water announced tourist groups will be capped at 25 people – about half the capacity of a tourist bus – and ban loudspeakers, which create “disturbances,” according to the Italian city. Over the summer, crowds in St. Mark’s Square, the city’s main plaza, caused bridges to back up , and tourists saw overflowing trash cans. 

The city said the biggest culprits are day-trippers, who don’t add much economic value to the city – like eating at local hotels or restaurants – while still putting pressure on the city’s infrastructure. In 2022, 30 million people visited the City of Canals, but only 3.2 million stayed overnight in the historic city center. 

“I refuse to visit the city during tourist season even when friends and family are staying with me because the crowds are so crazy,” Nathan Heinrich, an American writer and designer who holds dual citizenship in Italy and lives just outside Venice, told USA TODAY.

This year, the city will trial a new day-tripper entrance fee of €5 per person ($5.44) during 29 peak days between April and mid-July. To enforce the fee, daytime visitors must register online and download a QR code, which officials will randomly ask to verify. If a traveler doesn't have the code, they can pay the tax on the spot along with an extra fine of up to €100 ($108.82).

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The news makes Venice the latest popular destination to increase fees aimed at tourists. Last year, Amsterdam announced it would increase its tourist tax by 12.5%, making it the highest in Europe. Closer to home, Hawaii failed to pass a widely supported bill in May that would make tourists pay for a $50 pass to enjoy the islands’ natural beauty.

As the demand to see and experience new places only strengthens, many popular destinations are working to add or increase fees aimed at the sheer number of travelers they get.

“There are concerns about overtourism and the strain it puts on the local infrastructure, the environmental impacts, and frankly it’s just a revenue stream,” Jason Block, CEO of travel advising company and a collection of travel brands known as WorldVia Travel Group, told USA TODAY. “You look at these places that are really dependent on tourism as an industry – and especially coming out of the pandemic where they lost a lot of that revenue – they’re playing a little bit of catch-up. They’re also seeing other destinations implementing without much impact to demand.”

Experts consider these fees the future of travel, so here’s how they are going to affect travelers. 

What are tourist taxes?

Tourist taxes are “something virtually every destination has in some shape or form” as a way to generate income from travelers, Block said. 

Nearly all destinations have a lodging tax, which is automatically added to your final hotel bill. Honolulu raised its lodging tax two years ago, adding up to 18% onto the hotel room rate. Destinations also have similar fees added onto final airline ticket prices or port charges if traveling by cruise ship.

More destinations are raising these fees to coincide with the increased demand. In January 2023, Aruba raised its lodging tax from 9% to 12.5%, and Amsterdam’s will rise from 7% to 12.5% this year. 

As for entrance fees like Venice’s or the upcoming electronic visa for the United Kingdom , these are newer concepts, but Block fully expects them to stay.  

“The lodging taxes have been there forever now, but you’re seeing places that have a separate environmental fee or levy or another line item, like an entry fee,” Block said. “You’ll see three, four, five line items. So it starts with your simple hotel transaction or a short weekend flight, a night in a hotel, and activities could have a lot of different tax lines.”

Where does the tourist tax revenue go?

It’s not all bad news for travelers, Block said. 

The money from tourist taxes are more likely than not reinvested into the destination. Though the revenue is typically aimed at improving life for the residents, it will also “make the travel experience better,” Block said. “One of the worst things you can do is pay for your dream trip to Venice and have a bad experience because the sewers are overrun or the roads are bad.”

Not so hidden. Blame social media and pent-up demand for exposing your favorite hidden vacation spot

Iceland , known for its striking natural beauty, said it would broaden its accommodation tax to help protect its environment for future generations. The fee increase also aligns with the country’s goal to be carbon-neutral by 2040. 

“Tourists are enjoying (these resources), so they should foot part of the bill,” Block said. 

How are tourist taxes going to affect travelers? 

It depends. As more places introduce more fees, there can be concerns of a lack of transparency, Block said. It’s crucial for travelers to look closely at the breakdown of their airfare or hotel room and not just base their budget off the advertised price, he added. 

Though these fees seem inconsequential at first, they can add up. “When you add it all up for a week for a family of four, even if you’re sharing a single hotel room, that’s not insignificant,” Block said. Paris charges a flat €4 ($4.35) per person per night lodging fee, so for a family of four for seven nights, there’s an additional €112 ($121.88) on the hotel bill. 

Despite this, many travelers support the fees if it means contributing to the destination’s sustainability. 

"It's such a stunning place, with its canals and narrow alleys, but the sheer number of people visiting is putting a strain on it,” said Kayden Roberts, a digital nomad who visited in 2023. “Introducing a tourist tax here makes a lot of sense. It's not just about making money; it's about keeping Venice beautiful and preserving its cultural and historical treasures.”

Heinrich, the American designer, doesn’t think tourists will even bat an eye at the fees and will continue with their travel plans. “Anyone who can afford to take a trip to Italy can most likely afford a few extra euros to take a day trip into the city,” he said.

Others are worried the increase in tourist taxes could limit accessibility for travelers with lower budgets, but finding a solution is tricky. “This could be the start of a slippery slope of exclusivity that puts popular and important tourist destinations behind a paywall," said Heather Rameau, a content creator for travel brands based in Washington, D.C. “Ultimately, we all share this world and deserve access to see its beautiful places.

“Is there a need to better regulate and control the number of people visiting popular tourist spots, especially those that have a delicate ecosystem or are at risk due to climate change or other factors? Yes,” she said. “But is charging more money the way to do it? I'm not sure.”

Where has the highest tourist taxes?

  • Amsterdam: 12.5% of the nightly lodging rate
  • Barcelona: - Up to €6.25 ($6.80) per person, per night
  • Paris: - About €4 ($4.35) per person, per night
  • Dominican Republic: 23% of the hotel rate goes to taxes
  • Antigua and Barbuda: $100 for entry/exit fee
  • Honolulu: Up to 18% of the nightly lodging rate

Which major destinations charge a tourist tax (or are planning to soon)?

Jordan Waller

When traveling abroad, it's a good idea to account for any tourism taxes you must pay during your stay.

Some are a small extra cost added to what you pay for your accommodation per night. Others may be a one-and-done (or even daily) fee, such as Thailand's tourist tax . In some places like Bhutan, these fees can be quite costly.

You might find your vacation spot has implemented this kind of tax for several reasons. It could be a response to overtourism and concerns about sustainability and the environment (case in point: Venice, Italy), or it could simply be a way to help the local economy put funds back into tourism infrastructure.

Here, we'll look at top tourist destinations that charge a tourism tax and how much each will cost you.

city tax vs tourist tax

After increasing its tourist tax in 2024, Amsterdam now has the highest tourist levy in Europe, with hotels, vacation rentals (including Airbnbs) and camping sites all charging guests an additional 12.5% of their overnight rate (excluding value-added tax).

Meanwhile, cruise travelers are charged 14 euros (around $15) as part of the "day tripper tax" for every day spent in Amsterdam. The charge, however, excludes passengers who start or end their cruise in Amsterdam and those living in Amsterdam.

Find out more about the various kinds of taxes on Amsterdam's official website .

Balearic Islands, Spain

Fees on the islands vary from 1 to 4 euros per night, depending on the accommodation type, as follows:

  • 4 euros (around $4.30) for those staying in luxury hotels
  • 3 euros (around $3.20) for those staying in midrange hotels
  • 2 euros (around $2.15) for cruise passengers and those staying in cheaper hotels and apartments
  • 1 euro (around $1) for campers and hostel guests

This sustainable tourism tax applies to Minorca, Mallorca, Formentera and Ibiza. Travelers under the age of 16 are exempt.

Germany charges tourists both a culture tax, known as "kulturforderabgabe," and a bed tax, known as "bettensteuer," in several of its more popular cities, including Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt.

In Berlin, the tourist tax is 5% of the room price. It varies in other cities such as Frankfurt (2 euros per night) and Hamburg (up to 3 euros per night).

Depending on the accommodation type (either the number of stars the hotel holds or the number of rooms), Greece charges 0.50 euros to 4 euros per night.

Manchester, England

The newly introduced City Visitor Charge costs 1 British pound ($1.25) per room, per night.

France's tourist tax varies depending on which city you are visiting but generally costs 0.80 euros to 4 euros per night, depending on the kind of accommodation you choose. Find out more .

This year, however, Paris' tourist tax has been raised in advance of the Summer Olympics. You can now expect to pay between 0.75 and 15 euros per night, depending on your accommodation.

The tax is 2 euros per night for the first seven nights in Lisbon, Porto, Faro and nine other municipalities. Other parts of the country that charge a tourist tax usually have lower fees, around 1 euro to 1.50 euros per night.

In the capital of the Czech Republic, there is a charge of 50 korunas ($2.11) per person, per night for hotel stays.

In Rome, the tax varies from 3 to 7 euros per night, depending on the star rating of your accommodation.

In addition to the tourist taxes for Spain's Balearic Islands mentioned above, you'll find a couple of taxes apply when visiting Barcelona.

The city charges two different taxes to tourists. The first is the city tax, which increased in April 2024 to 3.25 euros per night. Visitors must also pay a regional tax depending upon the type of accommodation they're staying in.

  • 2.25 euros per night for rental accommodations
  • 1.70 euros per night for four-star hotels
  • 3.50 euros per night for five-star and luxury hotels

Cruise passengers also pay different amounts depending on the length of their stay. Expect to pay 3 euros for visits less than 12 hours and 2 euros for visits longer than 12 hours.

Venice, Italy

Taxes in this popular tourist destination vary from 1 euro to 5 euros per night and are paid to your accommodation. A separate tax for people visiting on a daytrip during peak times between April and mid-July costs 5 euros.

Other destinations

Additional places in Europe that charge tourist taxes include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Hungarian capital of Budapest, Malta, Montenegro, Slovenia and Switzerland. Some locales may only have regional tourist taxes.

Tourist taxes can always be introduced later, so be sure to do your own research before you travel. This is especially true for Edinburgh, Scotland, as the city is on the brink of introducing a tax of 2 euros per night . Potential tourism tax discussions are also underway in Wales .

North America

city tax vs tourist tax

A Transient Occupancy Tax of around 12% to 14% of the room price will appear on California hotel stays, according to Turbotax . There may be other tourism-related taxes as well.

Rates vary across the country, but Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec are among the areas that add a visitor tax to a hotel's price.

While Hawaii doesn't currently have a tourist tax, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green proposed a $25 fee on visitors when they arrive and check in to a hotel or short-term rental; it may pick up speed and become a reality at some point. This isn't the first time a fee on visitors has been suggested in Hawaii, with previous calls for a $50 so-called Green Fee visitor payment also recently put forward.

New York City

New York City charges a hotel room occupancy tax to visitors that costs about 14% of the room price plus up to $2 per room, per night, according to the New York City government website .

In addition to the ones mentioned above, you should expect taxes and fees on hotel stays in most other U.S. states.

Latin America, South America and the Caribbean

city tax vs tourist tax

Buenos Aires

Tourists will pay $1.50 per room, per night when staying in Argentina's capital city.

The Caribbean

Taxes vary by country in the Caribbean. For example, Bonaire has a one-off $75 fee that tourists need to pay via its official website , while Aruba adds 12.5% to your room rate plus $3 per room, per night. In Barbados, you'll pay $2.50 to $10 per room, per night, and there will typically be a $70 departure tax already included in your flight cost.

Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also known to apply tourist taxes. Check details before booking or traveling, as there may be a departure tax already included in your airfare.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

In 2024, entry fees for visitors to Galapagos National Park are set to double in cost, with visitors now paying $200 to enter the park from Aug. 1. A reduced fee is set to be available for children under the age of 12, and children younger than 2 will be able to enter for free.

Quintana Roo, Mexico

This region charges a one-off tourist payment of 224 Mexican pesos (around $13) to visit any destination in Quintana Roo. This includes Cancun, Cozumel, Holbox, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. A tourist tax may also be added to hotel stays in these areas and other parts of Mexico.

Asia and the Pacific

city tax vs tourist tax

Bali, Indonesia

Bali introduced a tourist tax in February 2024. It charges 150,000 rupiahs (around $9.25) in addition to other visa fees. The tax aims to combat overtourism on the popular island.

Until recently, Bhutan charged a whopping $200 fee per day. Known as the Sustainable Development Fee, this tourist tax is designed to assist with paying for infrastructure improvements, environmental efforts and fair wages for locals, among other things.

However, this was recently reduced to around $100 per day to encourage more people to visit. This is the most expensive tourist tax in the world and is paid regardless of your accommodation type.

There is a charge of 1,000 yen ($6.47) included in all airfare for flights departing Japan. Find out more .

Malaysia's tourist tax costs 10 Malaysian ringgits ($2.08) per room, per night.

The tourism tax in the Maldives ranges from $3 to $6 per day. The Green Tax total varies depending on if you're staying in a guesthouse, hotel or resort. Find out more .

New Zealand

When you book your New Zealand visa, you'll usually pay 35 New Zealand dollars ($20.60) for the International Visitor Levy.

A one-time fee of 300 baht ($8.14) was introduced in June 2023. All tourists arriving by air will need to pay this tax. For visitors who enter the country via a port or land border, the fee will be 150 baht.

Bottom line

More and more, tourist taxes are becoming a regular part of travel around the world. While these fees are nominal and shouldn't cause too much of a dent in your budget in most cases, they can rack up quite quickly in some destinations if you're not careful. Always research the fees at the destination you plan to visit before you get there, and make sure you budget for it if you don't want a surprise bill.

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A tax on tourism? To visit these destinations, it’ll cost you extra.

New zealand announced it is nearly tripling its tourist tax, joining places from venice to bali, indonesia, that are trying to offset overtourism..

city tax vs tourist tax

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Tourist taxes are increasingly being deployed by authorities around the world as a way to tackle “overtourism.”

New Zealand this week announced it is nearly tripling its visitor fee, introduced in 2019 to help protect the country’s natural beauty. Iceland reinstated its tourist tax this year after a brief pandemic suspension — raising the levy and expanding it to cruise ship operators — to fund conservation efforts.

In the spring, Venice began charging admission fees for day-trippers , while Amsterdam has increased taxes on overnight stays. Both cities are concerned that tourists are crowding out residents and putting a strain on creaky infrastructure.

Tourist taxes aren’t an entirely new idea. France first introduced a tourist tax on resorts in 1910. In the United States, most places have a hotel tax, as do many cities in Europe . More than 60 destinations worldwide have some kind of tax on visitors, tourism researchers say .

Bhutan, a small, Himalayan nation wedged between China and India, charges one of the highest fees globally — about $100 a day — to help preserve its pristine peaks from the hordes that visit nearby Nepal .

These are some of the destinations that are imposing new tourist taxes or planning to in 2024.

Iceland’s natural beauty — bubbling hot springs, pristine ice caps and glaciers, and lava-spewing volcanoes — have made it a tourist hot spot. Millions visit the island nation annually, outnumbering the local population of about 400,000. This year, Iceland reinstated a tourist tax suspended during the coronavirus pandemic. The rate for hotel stays doubled to 600 Icelandic krona ($4.32) per night. For cruise ships stopping at Icelandic ports, for the first time, a charge of 1,000 krona applied.

Bali, Indonesia

A sharp decline in visitors during the pandemic led residents on the Indonesian resort island of Bali to reconsider their relationship with foreign tourists and their environmental impact. In February, authorities imposed a tourist tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah ($9.70) to be used to preserve cultural sites and beaches, and to fund a crackdown on bad behavior by tourists.

Venice has a love-hate relationship with tourists , who contribute about $3 billion annually to the economy but crowd its narrow laneways and famed piazzas and leave behind a trail of trash. In April, it started charging day-trippers a fee of 5 euros a day (about $5.53). Overnight visitors already pay a tourist tax between 1 and 5 euros. Italian officials are considering raising the nationwide tax to as much as 25 euros , a prospect that has alarmed tourism advocates.

New Zealand

Seeking to protect the country’s natural beauty from an influx of tourists descending each year on small towns, once-lonely beaches and snow-capped peaks, New Zealand imposed a tourist tax in 2019. The government recently announced that the levy would nearly triple to 100 New Zealand dollars ($61.82) from Oct. 1. (Australians and many Pacific Island residents are exempt.)

Amsterdam has been trying to counter overtourism in a number of ways, including banning the construction of new hotels , capping the number of overnight stays and launching a “ Stay Away ” campaign to deter “nuisance tourists,” attracted by the city’s relaxed drug policies and liberated party scene. In 2024, it raised the tourist tax on hotel rooms to 12.5 percent , up from 7 percent. Day-trippers on sea and river cruises pay 14 euros ($15.52).

Thousands of locals took to the streets in this Spanish city over the summer to protest overtourism . Some were armed with brightly colored water pistols that they sprayed at bewildered diners on the city’s patioed streets. In October, the city will raise the tax on tourist lodging to 4 euros ($4.43) per night. Visitors also pay a regional tourist tax, which varies depending on the star rating of the accommodation.

Britain last year introduced an electronic travel authorization (similar to the United States’ ESTA) for visitors from some countries. By the end of 2024, people who do not require a visa — including U.S. and E.U. citizens — will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization before they can visit. Although touted as a measure to improve border security, rather than a tourist tax, it will apply to tourists and cost 10 pounds ($13.12). (The European Union next year will implement a travel authorization for short stays by visitors from 60 countries.) The English county of Kent and officials in Scotland and Wales are contemplating taxes on overnight stays.

city tax vs tourist tax

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These are all the destinations you’ll need to pay extra to visit this year

More and more popular travel destinations are introducing tourist taxes to tackle problems caused by overtourism – here’s what you’ll have to pay

Liv Kelly

This year, international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019 – and while that’s great news for the tourism industry in general, many cities, attractions and entire regions are suffering under the weight of overtourism .

The potential for damage to historic sites, unhinged tourist behaviour  and the simple issue of overcrowding are all common consequences of overtourism. That’s why a growing list of popular travel destinations have introduced a tourist tax, with the hopes of controlling visitor numbers and improving local infrastructure to better cater to higher visitor capacity. 

Many countries and cities introduced a tourist tax in 2023, and many more are due to launch theirs in 2024. Tourist taxes aren’t a new thing – you’ve probably paid one before, tied in with the cost of a plane ticket or the taxes you pay at a hotel. 

However, more destinations than ever before are creating this fee for tourists, and many places have increased the cost of existing ones. Here’s a full list of all the destinations charging a tourist tax in 2024, including all the recently introduced and upcoming tourist taxes you need to know about. 

Austria charges visitors a nightly accommodation tax which differs depending on province. In Vienna or Salzburg , you could pay 3.02 percent per person on top of the hotel bill. 

Belgium , like Austria, has a nightly fee. Some hotels include it in the rate of the room and add it separately to your bill, so read it carefully.

The rate in Brussels is charged per room, and varies depending on the size and rating of your hotel, but is usually around €7.50. Antwerp also charges per room. 

Bhutan has always been known for its steep tourist taxes and charges. In 2022, the Himalayan kingdom  tripled the amount it charged visitors in tax  to a minimum of  $200 per day , but that amount has since been lowered. In 2024, the daily fee for the majority of visitors is  $ 100,  and that is due to continue until August 31, 2027. 

Bulgaria applies a fee to overnight stays, but it reaches a maximum of only €1.50. 

Caribbean Islands

The following Caribbean Islands charge a tourist tax, ranging from between €13 to €45: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic , Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. 

The tax tends to be tied into the cost of a hotel or a departure fee. 

Croatia only charges its visitors a fee of 10 kuna (€1.33) per night during peak season. 

Czechia (also known as Czech Republic)

Czechia only applies a fee to those travelling to Prague . It doesn’t apply to those under the age of 18, and is less than €1 per person, per night. 

France ’s ‘taxe de séjour’ varies depending on city, and tends to be added to your hotel bill. It varies from €0.20 to €4 per person, per night. 

Earlier this month, Paris announced it would be increasing its fee by up to 200 percent for those staying in hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites, but that it plans to put the funds towards improving the city’s services and infrastructure. 

READ MORE: The cost of visiting Paris will soar this summer – here’s why

Germany charges visitors a ‘culture tax’ (kulturförderabgabe) and a ‘bed tax’ (bettensteuer) in certain cities, including Frankfurt , Hamburg and Berlin , which tends to be around five percent of your hotel bill. 

Greece ’s tourist tax is based on numbers. Specifically, how many stars a hotel has, and the number of rooms you’re renting. The fee was introduced by the Greek Ministry of tourism to help pay off the country’s debt, and can be anything from €4 per room.

Hungary charges visitors four percent of the price of their room, but only in Budapest . 

Iceland is introducing a tourist tax to protect its ‘unspoilt nature’ this year, which will cost between  €4 to €7 per night. It comes after annual tourist numbers reached an estimated 2.3 million per year. 

In Indonesia , the only destination which charges a tourist tax is Bali , and the fee is set to increase this February  to $10 (£7.70, €8.90, IDR 150,000) – but is a one-time entry fee, not a nightly tax. It apparently goes towards protecting the island’s ‘environment and culture.’

Much like in France, Italy ’s tourist tax varies depending on your location. Rome ’s fee is usually between €3 to €7 per night, but some smaller Italian towns charge more. 

Venice finally announced in September that its tourist tax, a €5 (£4.30, $5.40) fee which will be applicable on various days during high season, will launch in 2024. It only applies to day-trippers rather than those staying overnight, though.

Japan has a departure tax of around 1,000 yen (€8). 

Malaysia has a flat-rate tax which it applies to each night you stay, of around €4 a night. 

New Zealand

New Zealand ’s tax comes in the from of an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of around €21 which much be paid upon arrival, but that does not apply to people from Australia. 

Netherlands

The Netherlands has both a land and water tax. Amsterdam is set to increase its fee  by 12.5 percent in 2024, making it the highest tourist tax in the European Union. 

Portugal has a low tourist tax of €2, which applies to all those over the age of 13. It’s only applicable on the first seven nights of your visit and applies in 13 Portuguese municipalities, including Faro, Lisbon and Porto.   

Olhão became the latest area to start charging the fee between April and October. Outside of this period, it gets reduced to €1 and is capped at five nights all year round. The money goes towards minimising the impact of tourism in the Algarve town. 

Slovenia also bases its tax on location and hotel rating. In larger cities and resorts, such as Ljubljana and Bled, the fee is higher, but still only around €3 per night. 

Spain 

Spain applies its Sustainable Tourism Tax to holiday accommodation in the Balearic Islands to each visitor over the age of sixteen. Tourists can be charged up to €4 per night during high season. 

Barcelona ’s city authorities announced they plan to increase the city’s tourist tax over the next two years – the fee is set to rise to €3.25 on April 1, 2024. The council said the money would go towards improving infrastructure and services. This is in addition to regional Catalan tax. 

Switzerland

Switzerland ’s tax varies depending on location, but the per person, per night cost is around €2.20. It tends to be specified as a separate amount on your accommodation bill. 

Thailand 

Thailand introduced a tourist tax to the price of flights in April 2022, in a similar effort to the Balinese aim of moving away from its rep as a ‘cheap’ holiday destination. The fee for all international visitors is 300 baht (£6.60, $9). 

The US has an ‘occupancy tax’ which applies across most of the country to travellers renting accommodation such as hotels, motels and inns. Houston is estimated to be the highest, where they charge you an extra 17 percent of your hotel bill. 

Hawaii  could be imposing a ‘green fee’ – initially set at $50 but since lowered to $25 – which would apply to every tourist over the age of 15. It still needs to be passed by lawmakers, but if approved, it wouldn’t be instated until 2025.

The European Union

Finally, the European Union is planning on introducing a tourist visa , due to start in 2024. The €7 application will have to be filled out by all non-Schengen visitors between the ages of 18 and 70, including Brits and Americans. 

READ MORE: Why sustainable tourism isn’t enough anymore

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City Tax in Rome: What You Need to Know (2024)

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Alexander Meddings

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PUBLISHED ON Jan 9, 2024

When you book accommodation in Rome, make sure to check whether the total amount includes the city tax ( tassa di soggiorno ). Most of the time, you must pay this extra fee directly to your accommodation at the end of your stay , so make sure to factor it in when budgeting for your trip.

How much is the city tax in Rome?

As of October 2023, Rome’s city tax rate varies from €4 to €10 per night according to the rating of your accommodation . The tax is payable for up to 10 nights of continuous stay. Here’s a handy table illustrating the various rates. The full table is available (in Italian) here .

Let’s use an example to understand how this works. A family of two adults and two children (aged twelve and seven) spend four nights in a four-star hotel. Three family members are eligible to pay the city tax, so the nightly rate is €22.50. Because they’re staying for four nights, the total cost works out at €90 (€22.50 x 4 nights).

Simple enough so far. But what would happen if this family checked out of their hotel and spent a weekend touring Florence before returning to Rome and checking back in for another seven nights? Could they carry over the four nights of city tax they’ve already paid?

Sadly not. Instead, their 10-night period would start over, as if this was their first time in the city.

Why do you have to pay city tax in Rome?

Rome’s city tax is put towards promoting the city as a tourist destination, supporting services such as info points and tourist services, and financing the city’s infrastructure to keep things running effectively.

Rome’s city council introduced the nightly tax at the beginning of 2011 and has raised substantial amounts over the subsequent years. In 2016, the city raised €123 million while in 2019—the year before the pandemic struck and tourism-related statistics went haywire—Rome’s municipality made around €130 million .

Many tourists and hoteliers resent this additional fee, especially given Rome’s persistent infrastructural issues, including irregular waste collection and increasingly crowded public transport . But as Rome continues its recovery from the lockdowns of 2020, there’s no sign of the tourist tax abating. Indeed, its most recent increase, which took effect in October 2023, added an extra €1 per night for 1-star hotels and €3 per night for 5-star hotels.

Do children pay city tax in Rome?

No, children under the age of 10 are exempt from paying Rome’s city tax.

There are also exemptions for the following groups:

  • Rome residents.
  • Guests accompanying people with health conditions of impairments (1 exemption per guest).
  • Driver or tour leader (one for every group of 23 guests).
  • Italian state police or armed forces.

You should receive a receipt for paying Rome’s tourist tax. Not receiving proof of payment could mean your accommodation has neglected to register your stay.

Plan your Trip to Rome with Carpe Diem

Planning a trip this summer? Carpe Diem has you covered. We offer a range of tours and experiences for everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned travellers.

First time in Rome? Beat the heat with our evening walking tour of Rome and make fun-loving friends on our famous Tipsy Tour of Rome . Looking to immerse yourself fully in Roman culture and cuisine? Check out our indulgent food tour and discover the authentic eateries the locals like to keep to themselves. Or if you want to get creative in the kitchen on a hands-on cooking class , come and join us at our centrally situated air-conditioned cooking school! Book now as spaces are limited!

Alexander Meddings

Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter and postgraduate in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After graduating with his MPhil, he moved to Florence and then Rome to carry out his research on the ground and pursue his passion at the source. He now works in travel, as a writer and content consultant, and in education as a university lecturer and translator.

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About Tourist Development Tax

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) strengthens our local economy by supporting Palm Beach County’s tourism industry. Anyone who offers accommodations for short term rental (six months or less) is required to collect Tourist Development Tax from the guest when rent or accommodation charges are collected. TDT is 6% of total taxable rental receipts. It is an add-on tax and must be paid in addition to state sales tax.

Anyone who offers accommodations for short term rental (six months or less) in Palm Beach County must establish a TDT account using our Tourist Development Tax portal. You must also fill out a Business Tax Receipt Application for Short Term Rentals for each rental unit.

All TDT returns and payments must be filed and remitted online using our Tourist Development Tax portal. Remember to check with your local municipality for additional business tax payment information and other requirements.

How To Establish a TDT Account

Please follow these steps to establish your TDT account:

Step 1: Determine how you will manage your property

Determine if your property will be self-managed or agent-managed. Read Before Getting Started to learn more.

Step 2: Create your login

You must have a valid email address to create your login. We will use this email address for all correspondence and reminders. Read Create Your Login to learn more.

Step 3: Establish your TDT account

Create and verify your login to the TDT portal before creating your account. During this step, you will set up your TDT Business Account and add rental properties to your account. You will need the Property Control Number (PCN) for each property you intend to rent. Please read Create a New TDT Account for detailed information about this important step in the process.

Step 4 – Obtain a Short Term Rental Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

Per the Tourist Development Ordinance of Palm Beach County, Chapter 17, Article III, Sections 17-117 , anyone who offers accommodations for short term rental must have a valid Local Business Tax Receipt. Complete a Business Tax Receipt Application for Short Term Rental for each rental unit. This application will need to be completed online, by mail, or filed at our administrative office only. We do not process this application at any of our other service centers.

Step 5 – File a TDT return and remit payment each month

File a TDT return and remit payment by the 20th each month. For periods with no rental activity, file a TDT return indicating no rental activity and $0.00 due.

If you have questions or require assistance, please call (561) 355-3547 to speak with a TDT client service specialist Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also send us a message and one of dedicated team members will get back with you, visit Tourist Development Tax Contact to send us a message.

Create Your TDT Login

Now that you have reviewed Palm Beach County’s short term rental requirements and reviewed the steps for establishing a TDT account with our office, it’s time to set up your TDT login. Click here to go to the TDT portal now.

city tax vs tourist tax

Helpful Tip

Please have the Property Control Number (PCN)  for each rental property handy. You will need to enter this number for each property you intend to rent.

How to File and Remit Payment

You must file a TDT return and remit payment by 11:59 p.m. EST by the 20th of every month. A TDT return is not considered filed until payment is received. You must file a return every month even during periods with no rental activity. Your return must indicate $0.00 due for that filing period. Make sure to file a zero return before the deadline to avoid a minimum $50 penalty and interest.

Please refer to our how to guide called File and Remit Payment for complete step-by-step instructions.

Our system makes it easy to file up to six returns in advance. This feature is helpful when you know you will not be offering your property for rent such as off-season during the summer months.

Agents who manage short term rental properties for their clients must have a valid Local Business Tax Receipt. For more information or to download an application, please visit the Local Business Tax Receipt section of this website.

If you have a valid BTR, you are ready to create a login in the TDT online portal. Please read our how to guide Before Getting Started – Agents. When you create a login, the system will send you an email to verify your account. You must click the verification link in the email and accept the terms and conditions.

Notify Your Clients

After you create a login, inform your clients and let them know they can now authorize you in the system. You will receive a system-generated email asking you to Accept or Decline your client’s request to grant you authorization. When you accept the request, the next time you login to the portal your client’s property will appear on your dashboard.

The following rentals/leases are specifically exempt:

  • Bona fide written agreement for continuous residence longer than 6 months in duration
  • Federal employees on official travel orders
  • Governmental units (e.g. county, city, municipal)
  • Employees of non-federal governmental units on official business
  • Military employees on active duty
  • Full-time students enrolled in an institution offering postsecondary education
  • Foreign diplomats*

Please note that special conditions must be met in order for the transaction to be exempt. The accommodation owner/operator will become liable for any tax due in the event that an audit reveals ineligibility or inadequate documentation.

View Rule 12A-1.061, F.A.C. Rentals, Leases, and Licenses to Use Transient Accommodations

* NOTE: The Department of State has changed the exemption cards for U. S. Diplomats from a color coded system to images of one of four different animals: an owl, buffalo, eagle, or deer. Only a card with an image of an owl can be used for official stays at hotels. If a card is presented with an image of a buffalo, please check to ensure there is no amount restriction or the statement “not valid for hotels.” Please refer to the Florida Department of Revenue Tax Information Publication (TIP) 11A01-05 New U.S. Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards, dated 07/15/2011.

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This is Italy

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This is Italy

Tourist tax in Italy, how does it work?

city tax vs tourist tax

There is currently some commotion surrounding the tourist tax, as Italy considers a number of changes. Currently, tourists pay between €0,50 and €5 per person per night, depending on where they stay. However, there are proposals on the table to overhaul the system.

Tourist tax, or the tourist tax , is a fee you pay when staying in accommodations such as hotels, B&Bs or campsites. It helps local municipalities generate income and manage the pressure of tourism on their infrastructure.

Let's take it step by step

Differences by region: Italy is known for its diversity, and that also applies to the tourist tax! The rates and rules around tourist tax differ per region. Each charming town or village can have its own regulations.

There are regions that are quite strict in levying tourist tax (like Tuscany) and regions where they have never heard of it, so to speak. But hey, that's Italy.

In some cities and areas you have to pay for all nights, in other cities and areas only for the first 3 or 4 nights.

Payment to the accommodation: You pay this tax directly to your accommodation. They collect the fee and then pay it to the local government. It is usually calculated per person per night. Not only foreign tourists pay, locals staying in hotels also contribute. If you book your Italian holiday with your tour operator, the invoice will also state: tourist tax to be paid locally.

Rates: Let’s take a look at the amounts. The tourist tax usually ranges from €0,50 to €1,00 per person per night. Some cities are a bit different. For example, in Rome the tax can range from €3 to €7 per day and in Milan it is between €2 and €5. In general, you can say that you pay the most in 5-star hotels in expensive locations.

There is often a maximum number of nights for which the tax applies, and often children under 12 or even 18 do not have to pay it. However, if you are going on a longer trip and traveling with a large family, it can quickly add up.

Tourist tax on the chopping block

Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè now has a plan for a differentiated tariff based on the price of the hotel room. It would work like this:

  • For rooms between €100 and €400 per night: you will soon pay €10 per night.
  • Rooms above €400 per night: that will cost you €15 per night.
  • And if you stay in the most luxurious hotels , where the room rate exceeds €750 per night, you can expect to pay €25 per night.

Some are in favor of this plan, which is mainly motivated by the expected extra government spending in Rome for the 'Jubilee Year 2025'. The proponents think that the extra money will be used to improve local infrastructure and keep the cities clean. Others are not exactly cheering, and it will come as no surprise that these people are mainly found in the hospitality industry.

Hotel owners in particular fear that Italy, with stiff competition from other European holiday destinations, could scare off tourists with higher taxes. This month (September 2024) the plans will be discussed with the tourism industry. And as we all know, it could take some time in Italy before a final decision is made.

Source: ft.com

city tax vs tourist tax

Written by This Is Italy

Benvenuto su This is Italy! This is Italy is a web magazine aimed at lovers of the country. We are too. We have been coming to Italy several times a year for almost 25 years to enjoy la dolce vita, good food, the Italian language and 'made in Italy'. On ditisitalie.nl you will find Italy news, fun stories, facts, tips, recipes, travel tips, must-sees and everything more about Italy. Your Italy tips are also welcome!

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city tax vs tourist tax

COMMENTS

  1. What is a Tourist Tax?

    A tourist tax is a fee someone visiting a city pays. It can be a fee for simply entering the city or country, or — more often — it takes the form of a fee that hotels and other accommodations ...

  2. What is a city tax or tourist tax?

    Depending on city regulations, a tourist tax amount can be a percentage of the room rate or a fixed fee (applied per person per night). A fixed fee also sometimes depends on the room type. For example, in Paris, the city tax varies from €0.25 (1 and 2-star campsites) to €5 (palaces). In Manchester, overnight guests are charged £1 per night ...

  3. What is the tourist city tax and who is charging it?

    However, if you stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel, you will have to pay three Euros per person, per night. On the other hand, in Amsterdam, Berlin, and Cologne, the tourist city tax is 5% of your hotel room bill. Moreover, you might be required to pay such a fee for your children as well - but Italy does not usually charge individuals that are ...

  4. What is tourist tax and why do you have to pay it?

    Fundamentally, tourist taxes are there to bring in revenue, whether that's for the general upkeep of the city, to improve tourism or to impose sustainability initiatives. Although Simone ...

  5. Tourist tax

    A tourist tax is any revenue-generating measure targeted at tourists. It is a means of combating overtourism [1] and a form of tax exporting (partial shifting of tax burden to non-citizens or non-residents). ... The city says proceeds from the tax will go towards maintaining essential services for residents.

  6. Tourist taxes

    More and more destinations around the world are introducing tourism taxes, ostensibly to raise funds that can help mitigate the often negative effects of tourism and, potentially, reduce visitor numbers. They're a controversial tactic and far from an ideal solution, but also a direct result of overtourism and so likely to continue. Crowded ...

  7. What is a city tax or a tourist tax? : Thomas Cook

    What is a Tourist and city taxes? Modified on: Fri, 16 Dec, 2022 at 3:27 PM. This is a small fee imposed by some countries and cities, which is used to finance and maintain local facilities. The amount will vary depending on where you're travelling to, and you'll be asked to pay in full when you arrive at your accommodation. Please be aware ...

  8. Tourist Tax Explained: How It Works and How It Affects Your Travel

    Check the tax rate: Find out the specific rate for your destination (e.g., $2.50 USD per night). Multiply by the number of nights: If the rate is $2.50 USD and you stay for 5 nights, the total tax is $2.50 x 5 = $12.50 USD. Add this to your accommodation cost: Be prepared to pay this amount upon booking or check-out.

  9. The pros and cons of a tourist tax

    3. Pro: avoids overtourism. By increasing the cost to visit certain areas, a tourist tax can help reduce overcrowding and make the experience more enjoyable. This can help avoid "overtourism ...

  10. Tourist tax: These are the destinations you'll have to pay to enter

    Italy: The tourist tax depends on the city. However, as of September 2024, authorities are considering raising it to €25 in some areas; Japan: If you travel to Japan, expect to pay 1,000 yen (about £5.50) in tourist tax; Malaysia: in 2023, the cost of tourist tax across Malaysia is roughly £1.70 per night

  11. Brief Travel Is Taxing in More Ways Than One

    Tourism tax revenue in Arkansas totaled $20.54 million in 2021, 16.7% higher than 2019 collections. While increased tourism is beneficial for state revenue, it also comes with costs. Areas that experienced a boom in visitors faced a new problem- additional stress on state and local resources. The sudden shift to domestic rural travel during the ...

  12. How much is Paris tourist tax? 2024 rates explained

    How much has Paris tourist tax increased by? Paris City Hall has decided to increase Paris tourist tax by 200% for the year 2024. The decision was made to support Île-de-France Mobilités—responsible for public transport including the metro & bus—in transporting the greater numbers of passengers expected in the city for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

  13. How increasing tourist taxes are going to impact travelers

    Paris: - About €4 ($4.35) per person, per night. Dominican Republic: 23% of the hotel rate goes to taxes. Antigua and Barbuda: $100 for entry/exit fee. Honolulu: Up to 18% of the nightly lodging ...

  14. All the countries where you have to pay a 'tourist tax' in 2024

    Since 2012, visitors to the Catalan capital have had to pay both the regional tourist tax and an extra city-wide surcharge. In April 2023, city authorities increased the municipal fee to €2.75.

  15. Which major destinations charge a tourist tax (or are planning to soon

    France's tourist tax varies depending on which city you are visiting but generally costs 0.80 euros to 4 euros per night, depending on the kind of accommodation you choose. Find out more. This year, however, Paris' tourist tax has been raised in advance of the Summer Olympics. You can now expect to pay between 0.75 and 15 euros per night ...

  16. Tourist taxes: Where do you have to pay for being a visitor?

    In October, the city will raise the tax on tourist lodging to 4 euros ($4.43) per night. Visitors also pay a regional tourist tax, which varies depending on the star rating of the accommodation.

  17. Tourist Taxes: Full List of Destinations Charging a Tourist Tax in 2024

    Barcelona's city authorities announced they plan to increase the city's tourist tax over the next two years - the fee is set to rise to €3.25 on April 1, 2024. The council said the money ...

  18. City Tax in Rome: What You Need to Know (2024)

    As of October 2023, Rome's city tax rate varies from €4 to €10 per night according to the rating of your accommodation. The tax is payable for up to 10 nights of continuous stay. Here's a handy table illustrating the various rates. The full table is available (in Italian) here. Payable up to.

  19. Tourist Development Tax

    Tax Collector, Palm Beach County. Attn. Tourist Development Tax. P.O. Box 3715. West Palm Beach, FL 33402-3715. Complete a Business Tax Receipt Application For Short Term Rentals and bring it to our Administrative Office Address: Governmental Center. 301 N. Olive Avenue, 3rd Floor. West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Hours.

  20. Tourist tax in Italy, how does it work?

    The tourist tax usually ranges from €0,50 to €1,00 per person per night. Some cities are a bit different. For example, in Rome the tax can range from €3 to €7 per day and in Milan it is between €2 and €5.

  21. Edinburgh tourist tax: When the tax will start and how much it will be

    Members of the public can now have their say on whether a tourist tax should be introduced in Edinburgh. ... The council would then spend 55 per cent of the income generated on "city operations ...

  22. Venice Tourist Tax Is on a Roll! Here's Everything You ...

    The tourist tax is currently in a trial phase, running until 5 May 2024. Following this initial period, the tax will be enforced every weekend from 8.30am to 4.00pm, excluding 1-2 Jun 2024. This weekend enforcement will continue until 14 Jul 2024. Tourist tax implementation

  23. Portugal's Evora Joins List Of Destinations Implementing Tourist Tax To

    The proposed tourist tax will be levied on visitors staying in hotels, hostels, and other accommodation establishments within the city limits. The exact amount of the tax has not yet been finalised, but it is expected to be more than EUR 1 per night, which was the tourist tax that was proposed back in 2019.

  24. Help shape Edinburgh's final visitor levy scheme

    Launching immediately after the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 came into force - which grants Scottish councils the authority to introduce a levy on overnight stays within their regions - the Council started a formal 12-week consultation on its draft visitor levy scheme.. Building on extensive engagement which has taken place over many years, views are encouraged on various aspects of ...

  25. Humiliation for European city as tourist tax fails to stop droves of

    Humiliation for European city as tourism crackdown fails to stop droves of visitors ... While, over 29 days during the summer, the city said the €5 (£4.20) tax was paid 485,062 times ...