These are some of the tourist destinations that will impose new taxes on visitors this year

10-01-24

In the ever-evolving landscape of global tourism post COVID-19, the new year 2024 is poised to usher in significant changes as numerous countries implement or increase tourism taxes. 

These measures are intended to address the challenges posed by over-tourism, support local travel economies and the tourism industry, and contribute to destination sustainability initiatives. 

Travelers planning to travel to popular destinations should be aware of these developments, as these tourist taxes can impact their travel budgets and overall travel experience during the vacation season. Tourist tax has a major impact on the travel budget.

A report produced in 2020 by the NAO Group and GDS-Movement highlighted the growing trend of countries, especially in the US and Europe, to impose tourist taxes. This trend of taxing tourism is expected to continue in 2024, as nations seek additional funding to combat the negative consequences of over-tourism and work towards their environmental goals.

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Europe's highest tourism tax

Amsterdam, already known for imposing Europe's highest tourist tax, plans to up the ante in 2024. The city intends to increase the tax on hotel rooms from 7% to 12.5%, while cruise ship passengers will see their tax increase from €8 to €11 per person per day. The additional revenue generated will be used to alleviate the consequences of over-tourism, maintain cleanliness and solve neighborhood problems.

• Bali will put in march a new tourist tax in 2024

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has confirmed the introduction of a tourism tax later this year, responding to concerns by submitting the draft provincial rule on foreign traveler fees to the Bali DPRD. The proposed tax aims to support the conservation of Balinese values and natural landscapes, recognizing Bali's importance as a key national and global tourist destination.

• Barcelona, Spain: Going for quality tourism

In April 2024, Barcelona, Spain plans to increase its municipal tourism tax, focusing on high-value tourism as opposed to mass tourism. The city aims to create sustainable development for the destination. The current tax of €2.75 per night will increase to €3.25.

• Bahamas sets sail with cruise tourism tax hike

The Bahamas government plans to give a significant boost to cruise tourism revenues through the Passenger Duty Amendment Bill 2023, in which it proposes a substantial increase in departure taxes. Departure taxes at major ports, such as Nassau and Freeport, will increase by 27% to $23, while those at private islands will face a steeper increase of 38% to $25. Additional taxes of $5 will be levied for the tourism environment and $2 for tourism improvement. The changes are intended to triple annual cruise tourism revenues from $50 million to $145 million, encouraging more sustainable revenues for the country. The taxes will take effect in July 2023.

• Valencia, Spain, introduces taxes to manage visitors.

Valencia will introduce a tourist tax ranging from 50 cents to €2 per night, applicable in all regions. These measures reflect a shift towards attracting quality tourism and more sustainable visitor management.

• Iceland: A sustainable approach to destination development

Iceland plans to introduce a tourist tax in 2024, the exact amount of which is yet to be determined. Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir stresses that the tourist tax will be reasonable and contribute to sustainability programs, in line with Iceland's goal to be carbon neutral by 2040.

• Olhão, Portugal: Combating negative impacts

The largest fishing port in Portugal's Algarve region, Olhão, implemented a tourist tax in June 2023. Visitors now pay €2 per night in high season and €1 the rest of the year. Half of the revenue generated goes to combat the negative impact of tourism in the region.

• Venice, Italy: Managing mass tourism

Venice, which is facing the challenges of mass tourism, plans to implement a €5 fee in 2024 for tourists staying for up to 30 non-consecutive days. This fee, applicable to visitors over the age of 14, aims to manage visitor numbers and will be implemented through a digital portal with a downloadable QR code.

• Wales to impose a tourist tax on visitors

The Welsh Government has confirmed plans to launch a consultation on a tourist tax in 2022. The proposed tax would apply to visitors staying overnight in a municipal area, with each local council determining the rate. The government argues that the tax would generate funds for councils to manage services and infrastructure in tourist areas. Plaid Cymru's Cefin Campbell MS believes the tax would empower local communities and encourage a sustainable approach to tourism, drawing inspiration from similar levies applied in Europe and other continents.

• Denmark: Air passenger tax

Denmark is set to introduce an air passenger tax in 2025. The tax will vary depending on the distance of the flight, charging about €8.4 for flights within Europe, €32 for medium-haul flights and €51 for long-haul flights in 2030. The revenue will be earmarked for the use of 100% sustainable fuels on domestic flights.