Italy proposes new tax for tourists in luxury hotels

06-09-24

Italy is considering the introduction of a $26 per night tax for tourists staying in luxury hotels. This measure, promoted by the mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, seeks to regulate tourism in the most visited areas and protect the country's historic sites. The main objective is to mitigate the negative effects of mass tourism, especially in emblematic destinations such as Venice, Rome and Florence, where the large influx of tourists has generated problems of congestion and deterioration of heritage.

The new tax will apply to luxury hotels and will be managed by local authorities. The initiative is part of a larger effort to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the Italian cities most affected by tourist saturation. In cities such as Venice, crowds can be overwhelming during high season, which has led authorities to seek solutions to balance tourism promotion and environmental conservation.