Tourism Taxes 2024: Essential Information for Travellers
If you're gearing up for travel in 2024, anticipate some extra costs. An increasing array of international destinations (mostly in Europe) are implementing a tourism tax – a charge typically included in hotel invoices or levied at the time of arrival.
By Eglė
Published: January 4, 2024 • 6 min read
Last year showed how many people love travel and how holidays may look if you travel during the peak season. Some destinations suffered because of overtourism. These destinations are instituting new fees to generate revenue and tackle challenges like over-tourism or achieving environmental objectives.
In Greece, an increase in the current hotel tax will contribute to combating climate change-induced natural disasters. Meanwhile, in Dubrovnik, a fee on cruise ships is set to enhance the historic city's infrastructure. Below is a list of famous European destinations that introduce new tourism taxes 2024.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Amsterdam, renowned for having Europe's highest tourism tax, the tourism fee is going to increase in 2024. The city intends to increase hotel taxes from seven to 12.5 percent and cruise ship passenger tariffs from €8 to €11 per person daily. Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren states that the additional revenue will address over-tourism, enhance cleanliness, and tackle local issues. More about it you can read here.
Bali, Indonesia
Starting February 14, foreign visitors in Bali will be required to pay a $10 fee per person, intended for environmental, cultural preservation, and quality enhancements, as stated by local officials. This fee will be collected upon arrival on the island. Additionally, those traveling to nearby destinations such as the Gili Islands, Lombok, or East Java and returning to Bali will be subject to an additional $10 fee. Let’s be honest, it’s not a huge amount of money since Bali is one of the budget-friendly destinations.
Barcelona & Valencia, Spain
Barcelona is poised to raise its city tourism tax in April 2024, aiming to shift from mass to premium tourism. The nightly rate will climb from €2.75 to €3.25. Meanwhile, Valencia is set to implement a variable tourist tax, ranging from 50 cents to €2 per night, applicable across the region.
Denmark
Denmark is looking to implement a "passenger tax" on flights starting in 2025. Charges will be about €8.4 for intra-European flights, €32 for medium-haul, and €51 for long-haul by 2030, with proceeds supporting the transition to 100% sustainable fuels in domestic aviation.
Iceland
Some countries look like they follow their neighbors. Iceland has confirmed the introduction of a tourist tax in 2024, with specifics still pending. Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir assures that the fee will be modest and directed towards sustainability initiatives, in line with Iceland's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Greece
Tourists will now face additional taxes at their accommodations - climate taxes-, which will increase the overall cost of their stay. This new tax system is seasonal, being applicable only during the peak travel months from March to October.
The tax amount varies depending on the accommodation's official rating. Specifically, guests at apartments and one or two-star hotels will be charged a tax of €1.50 per night. Those staying in three-star hotels will incur a tax of €3 per night. For four-star hotels, the additional tax will be €7 per night, and for luxury five-star hotels, the tax will be significantly higher at €10 per night.
Olhão, Portugal
Olhão, the principal fishing port in the Algarve, began levying a tourist tax in June 2023. Half of the funds are designated to mitigate tourism's adverse effects. The tax is set at €2 per night in the peak season and €1 during off-peak times.
Venice, Italy
Venice is planning to charge a €5 fee on 30 select days in 2024 to regulate tourist influx. Applicable to visitors aged 14 and above, the fee will be managed through a digital portal where visitors can download a QR code.
Did you know that this year, the European Union will implement a new tourist visa requirement? All travelers from outside the Schengen zone, including those from the United States, Australia, the UK, and other countries, will be required to complete a €7 application. However, individuals under 18 or over 70 years old are exempt from this fee. The policy was initially set to start in November 2023 but has been delayed due to issues with the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES).
Other Countries…
Several countries already charge a tourist fee for entry, aiming to manage tourism levels and fund sustainability efforts. These fees help control overtourism and maintain tourism infrastructure while preserving natural resources.
- Austria. Charges an overnight accommodation tax, varying by province. In Vienna or Salzburg, it's an additional 3.02% per person on the hotel bill.
- Belgium. Applies a tourist tax to accommodation, sometimes included in the room rate or as a supplemental charge. Antwerp and Bruges charge per room, while Brussels' rate varies by hotel size and rating, generally around €7.50.
- Bhutan. Has a high tourist tax of $250 per person per day during high season, covering accommodation, transportation, a guide, food, and entry fees.
- Bulgaria. Imposes a tourist fee on overnight stays, up to around €1.50, varying by area and hotel classification.
- Caribbean Islands. Most islands have tourist taxes or departure fees, ranging from €13 to €45, depending on the island.
- Croatia. Raised its tourist tax to around 10 kuna (€1.33) per person per night during peak season.
- Czech Republic. Requires a tourist fee in Prague, under €1 per person, per night, for up to 60 nights.
- France. Has a "taxe de séjour" varying by city, generally €0.20 to €4 per person, per night, with some areas like Paris planning significant increases.
- Germany. Implements a "culture tax" or "bed tax" around 5% of the hotel bill in cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin.
- Greece. Charges a tourist tax based on hotel stars or room number, up to €4 per room.
- Hungary. Applies tourist fees in Budapest, an extra 4% every night based on the room price.
- Indonesia (Bali). Imposes a fee of around €9 for overseas visitors, funding environmental and cultural preservation.
- Italy. Tourist taxes vary, with Venice considering its own tax and Rome charging €3 to €7 per night, depending on room type.
- Japan. Levies a departure tax of 1,000 yen (around €8).
- Malaysia. Has a flat rate tourist tax of around €4 per night.
- New Zealand. Charges an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of about €21, exempting Australians.
- The Netherlands. Enforces a land and water tourist tax, currently 7% of hotel room cost in Amsterdam, rising to 12.5% in 2024.
- Portugal. Charges around €2 per night per person over 13, in 13 municipalities, for the first seven days of stay.
- Slovenia. Varies the tourist tax by location and hotel rating, around €3 in larger cities and resorts.
- Spain (Balearic Islands). Imposes the Sustainable Tourist Tax, up to €4 per night during high season for holidaymakers aged 16 or over.
- Switzerland. Charges a tourist tax per night and per person, around €2.20, not usually included in accommodation quotes.
- USA. Implements a hotel or lodging tax, known as an occupancy tax, with rates varying by location, the highest being 17% in Houston.
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