More and more destinations around the world are collecting tourist tax, a fee that is often added to hotel bills or collected upon arrival. If you're planning a trip in 2024, be prepared for unexpected costs. Find out about the cities that have introduced a tourist tax in 2024 and where you have already had to pay it

In 2023, travel industry workers increasingly discussed the negative impact of travelers. In particular, in certain cities and countries, local residents suffer from an excessive number of vacationers, because real estate is becoming more and more unaffordable, in particular because landlords are buying up vacation homes. In addition, the authorities have to deal with excess garbage left by travelers. A large number of tourists also affects the environment.

That is why the world's most popular tourist destinations, such as Venice, Barcelona and New Zealand, are trying to keep the number of travelers under control. The most common method of deterrence is the introduction of a tourism tax, a fee that visitors must pay in addition to normal costs such as accommodation and meals. This practice is not new, it is already widely used in many countries, however, some countries introduced a tourist tax for the first time in 2023.

We will tell you more about the places where tourists will have to pay a tourist tax in 2024.

Cities that introduced a tourist tax in 2024

- Barcelona, Spain

In 2024, Barcelona will once again increase the tourist tax. This is happening as part of a two-year program announced by local authorities in 2022.

Since 2012, tourists have been paying two taxes in the city: a regional tourist tax and an additional city-wide tax. On April 1, 2023, the city authorities increased the municipal tax to 2.75 euros. From April 1, 2024, there will be a second increase, then tourists will have to pay 3.25 euros.

The local authorities say that the money received will be used to finance the city's infrastructure, including improvements to road surfaces, bus services and escalators.

Tourists staying in official tourist destinations will be exempt from the tax.

- Valencia, Spain

From 2024, Valencia will introduce a tourist stay tax (IVET), but the exact date of the introduction of the fee is still unknown. The levy will apply to travelers staying in all types of accommodation in the region, including hotels, hostels, apartments and campsites. Depending on the chosen accommodation, the tourist will need to pay from 50 cents to 2 euros per night. Cruise ship passengers will pay €1.50 per day.

The authorities will use the funds received to develop the city's tourism sector and provide more affordable housing for local residents at tourist spots.

- Olyan, Portugal

In 2023, the popular fishing town of Olhão in Portugal introduced a tourist tax, travelers who will rest here from April to October will have to pay 2 euros per night, and from November to March the tax is reduced to 1 euro.

Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the fee, and the maximum number of days for which it is necessary to pay is five, so a tourist can count on an amount of up to 10 euros per trip.

The local government plans to use the funds received to minimize the impact of tourism on the city, in particular to improve cleanliness and safety.

The tourist tax is also charged by two more Algarve municipalities - Faro (€1.5 per night up to seven nights from March to October) and Vila Real de Santo Antonio (€1 per day up to seven days).

- Bali, Indonesia

From February 14, 2024, tourists arriving in Bali will be required to pay a fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (€8.80). For this, special kiosks will be set up at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. The authorities promised that the whole process would take less than 30 seconds.

The funds received will be spent on preserving the environment, nature and culture, as well as improving the quality of life in Bali.

- Venice, Italy

The tourist tax in Venice has been discussed for quite a long time, but it was decided that in 2024 the city will start charging an entrance fee only during certain periods. In particular, visitors will have to pay €5 to enter on weekends and other public holidays from April to mid-July – a total of 29 days. Also, the fee will be valid exclusively during peak hours (from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

The entrance fee aims to reduce crowding, encourage longer visits and improve the quality of life for residents.

Funds from entry fees will go towards services that help the city's residents, such as maintenance, cleaning and cost-of-living reductions.

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Countries in which it was already necessary to pay a tourist tax

In many countries of the world, the tourist tax has been in effect for a long time:

- Austria

The size of the tax for an overnight stay in Austria depends on the province in which the tourist is staying. For example, in Vienna or Salzburg, you need to pay an additional 3.02% of the hotel bill per person.

- Belgium

Tourist tax in Belgium is also charged for each night of stay. The fee is sometimes included in the price of the hotel room, but some separate the cost and make it an additional charge, so you need to check your bill carefully. On average, it is about 7.50 euros per day.

- Bhutan

The tax in Bhutan is one of the highest in the world. The minimum daily charge for most foreigners is US$250 (€228) per person per day in high season and slightly less in low season. However, the fee covers accommodation, in-country transport, guide, meals and entrance fees.

- Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the tourist tax for an overnight stay is very low. It varies depending on the area and the classification of the hotel - up to about 1.50 euros per night.

- Caribbean islands

On most Caribbean islands, tourist taxes are added to the cost of the hotel or departure fee. The commission ranges from 13 euros in the Bahamas to 45 euros in Antigua and Barbuda.

- Croatia

Tourists are required to pay about 10 HRK (1.33 EUR) per person per night in Croatia.

- Czech Republic

The tourist tax in the Czech Republic must be paid only when visiting Prague. The amount is less than 1 euro, paid per person per night, for a maximum of 60 nights. The tax does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

- France

The tourist tax in France is added to your hotel bill and varies depending on the city in which you are staying. Prices range from €0.20 to around €4 per person per night.

- Germany

In Germany, a "culture tax" has been introduced, as well as a "bed tax" in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin. The commission is about 5 percent of your hotel bill.

- Greece

Tourist tax in Greece depends on the number of stars of the hotel or the number of rooms you rent. The maximum is 4 euros per room.

- Hungary

Tourist tax in Hungary is only charged in Budapest - travelers must pay an additional 4% of the room rate each night.

- Italy

Tourist tax in Italy depends on the region of stay. In Sicily, it ranges from 1 to 3 euros per night. In Rome, the price varies from 3 to 7 euros per night depending on the type of room.

- Japan

In Japan, an entry tax of 1,000 yen (about 8 euros) has been approved.

- Malaysia

Tourist tax in Malaysia is a fixed rate and is charged per night of stay - about 4 euros.

- New Zealand

The country has approved an international nature conservation and tourism levy (IVL) in the amount of 35 New Zealand dollars, i.e. approximately 21 euros. Only tourists from Australia are exempt.

- The Netherlands

Tourist tax in Amsterdam is currently 7% of the cost of a hotel room. It will rise to 12.5% in 2024, making it the highest tourist tax in Europe.

- Portugal

Tourist tax in Portugal is charged per person per night and applies only to guests aged 13 and over. The amount is €2 per night and applies in 13 of Portugal's 308 municipalities, including the cities of Porto, Lisbon and Faro. The tourist has to pay only for the first 7 days of his stay.

- Slovenia

The tourist tax in Slovenia depends on the location and rating of the hotel. In large cities and resorts, including Ljubljana and Bled, the tax is about 3 euros.

- Spain

In the Spanish Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera) there is a tourist tax for all tourists over the age of 16. In the high season, its amount is more than 4 euros per night.

- Switzerland

The tourist tax in Switzerland depends on the location. The amount per night per person is about 2.2 euros. Accommodation prices usually do not include the tourist tax - it is indicated as a separate amount, so it is easier to track.

- USA

A hotel tax or lodging tax for travelers who rent accommodations is charged in most states. The highest rate in Houston is 17% of the hotel bill.

Tourist tax is quite common, so be sure to find out the amount of tax in the country you are going to before you travel.

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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