Cities that charge tourists to mitigate mass tourism

02-10-24

Mass tourism has left a profound mark on many cities around the world. The constant influx of visitors has created significant challenges for local infrastructure, natural resources and the well-being of residents. Faced with this pressure, several cities have opted to implement tourist taxes or additional charges to control the flow of visitors, protect the environment and ensure a quality experience for visitors.

Venice: an Icon in the Fight Against Mass Tourism

Venice, Italy, has been one of the cities most affected by mass tourism. This iconic destination, with its network of canals and ancient history, has attracted millions of tourists each year for decades. However, this high volume of visitors has come at a cost. The city's infrastructure has suffered accelerated wear and tear, and local residents have seen their quality of life suffer.

To address this situation, Venice will implement from 2024 an entrance fee of €5 for tourists who spend the day in the city without staying overnight. This measure seeks to discourage short-stay tourism, known for not contributing significantly to the local economy. Overnight visitors to the city already pay an accommodation fee, so this new measure specifically targets those visiting only for the day.

Amsterdam: limiting tourism expansion

Amsterdam, another of Europe's most popular cities, has taken steps to regulate tourism more strictly. Known for its canals and vibrant cultural life, the Dutch capital has implemented a series of regulations to control the impact of tourism. In addition to a tourist tax that varies according to the type of accommodation, the city has reduced the number of licenses for tourist accommodations and placed restrictions on vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb.

These policies aim not only to reduce the number of visitors, but also to preserve the quality of life of residents and avoid the overcrowding of certain historic neighborhoods that have been overrun by tourism.

Barcelona: a balance between tourism and local life

Barcelona is another example of a city that has had to adapt to mass tourism. With millions of annual visitors, the Catalan capital has implemented a tourist tax that depends on the type of accommodation and length of stay. In addition, local authorities have worked on awareness campaigns aimed at both tourists and residents to promote tourism that is more respectful of the environment and local communities.

Barcelona's strategy also includes limiting the construction of new hotels in the city center, encouraging the development of tourism projects in other areas to decongest the most saturated zones.

Japan: preserving culture and heritage

Tourism in Japan has grown exponentially in recent years, especially in cities such as Kyoto. This increase has tested the city's ability to manage the flow of visitors, leading to the implementation of a tourist tax on accommodations. This measure seeks not only to generate additional revenue for heritage conservation, but also to control the number of tourists visiting certain historical sites.

In addition, the Japanese government has launched campaigns to educate tourists on proper behavior during their visit, in order to reduce negative impacts on local culture and life.

Bali: a paradise that protects itself

The island of Bali in Indonesia is another destination that has seen explosive growth in tourism in recent years. While this sector is vital to the local economy, the environmental impact has been significant, especially in terms of waste generation and pressure on natural resources.

In response, the Indonesian government has proposed the introduction of a tourism tax aimed at environmental conservation and the promotion of more sustainable practices. This measure seeks to ensure that the growth of tourism in Bali is carried out in a controlled and environmentally friendly manner.