Tourist tax: destinations where you have to pay to enter

Tourist tax is not a new concept. City taxes have long been common in many European countries, such as Greece, Spain and Germany, and hotel taxes are standard in many destinations, including US states. The impact of Corona on the tourism industry was severe; Hotels, restaurants and tourist places were closed and people who depended on tourism faced heavy losses. Governments also got less revenue for development and maintenance. For this reason, many countries have decided to implement a tourist tax to boost the economy and revitalize local communities. In the following, we will examine exactly what the tourist tax is and which countries will apply this tax in 2024.

What is the tourist tax?

Initially, the tourist tax was introduced by some governments in order to control too many tourists and generate income from the arrival of a large number of travelers. For example, since 1974, the country of Bhutan has asked tourists to enter a significant amount of money. The country uses the tax (called the “daily sustainable development fee”) to preserve natural beauty and protect traditional Buddhist culture. Similarly, the city of Barcelona uses the tourism tax to finance local development and construction projects. Most tourist taxes are added to the cost of your stay.

Which destinations will apply tourism tax in 2024?

• Italy: Starting in the spring of 2024, Venice will charge tourists a daily fee of five euros. The overnight stay rate will be between one and five euros.
• Indonesia: From February 14, 2024, the Indonesian government will charge tourists in Bali around £7.35.
• United Kingdom: In 2024, the UK will introduce a new system called the “Electronic Travel Authorization” (ETA), which tourists from the US, Europe, Australia and Canada will have to apply for and pay a fee to enter the country.
• European Union: From 2024, the EU will implement a new system for tourist visas that non-EU citizens must apply for and pay a fee of €7 to enter Schengen countries.
• New Zealand: From 1 October 2024, New Zealand’s tourist tax will triple, with travelers paying NZ$100 (previously NZ$35).
• Austria: The cost of tourist tax in Vienna is about 3.2% added to the accommodation bill.
• Belgium: In Brussels, the tourist tax is less than £3.50 and is added to the cost of accommodation.
• Bhutan: By September 2027, the cost of sustainable development has been reduced to $100 per day.
• Bulgaria: Tourism tax in Bulgaria varies based on destination and hotel level; But usually less than 1.30 pounds is calculated.
• Caribbean Islands: Tourist tax is applied in most of the Caribbean islands. This amount is different in different islands; For example, in Saint Lucia it is about three to six dollars, while in the Dominican Republic it is more; But it’s often included in vacation packages and airline fees.
• Croatia: The cost of tourist tax in Croatia depends on the season and place of stay.
• France: The tourism tax varies based on the level of accommodation; It is less than one euro for staying in camps and more than 10 euros for five-star hotels.
• Germany: The tourist tax in Germany varies depending on the city; In Berlin, the standard rate is five percent of the accommodation price.
• Greece: The cost of overnight accommodation in Greece is based on the standard and size of accommodation and should not exceed £3.50 per night.
• Hungary: Tourists in Budapest have to pay four percent of the overnight stay.
• Indonesia: From 14 February 2024, tourists to Bali will have to pay 150,000 rupiah (around £7.60).
• Japan: Expect to pay ¥1,000 (around £5.50) in tourist tax when traveling to Japan.
• Malaysia: In 2023, the cost of tourist tax across Malaysia was around £1.70 per night.
• Portugal: In 13 Portuguese cities, including Lisbon and Porto, the tourist fee in high season (April to October) is €2 per night.
• The Netherlands: In Amsterdam, the tourist tax rate is one of the highest in Europe, and in 2024 it increased from seven percent to 12.5 percent of the price of accommodation.
• Switzerland: The price of the tourist tax varies depending on the destination and is between 2 and 7 Swiss francs per night.
• Spain: Several cities in Spain have recently decided to increase the price of tourism taxes, and others are discussing following suit.

_{Cover photo source: cntraveller website Photographer: Unknown}