In view of overtourism concerns, several European cities as well as other cities will raise existing tourism taxes while some might impose new fees in 2024 to boost local economies and support sustainability.

Visitors to a clutch of cities in many countries, notably in the European Union, face increased costs as a spate of hike in tourist taxes or implementation of new taxes kicks in this year. The reasons for the hiked costs for travellers vary from bids to curb overtourism to cities and countries trying to balance their budgets by raising revenues from visiting tourists.

According to reports, the world’s most popular destinations, like Venice, Barcelona and New Zealand, are struggling to keep visitor numbers under control. A 2020 report by Group NAO and GDS-Movement says that the practice has grown in popularity over the past decade, particularly in the US and Europe.

Locals suffer from overtourism as a result of property becoming unaffordable as a result of landlords purchasing vacation rentals. Further, authorities struggle to manage tourist trash left while it adds to pollution and climate crisis.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, which already imposes Europe’s highest tourism tax, plans to increase the prices in 2024. The city will raise the hotel room tax from 7 pc to 12.5 pc, and the tariff for cruise-ship passengers will jump from EUR 8 to EUR 11 per person per day. Hester van Buren, Amsterdam’s deputy mayor for finance, says that the increased revenue will be allocated to combat the consequences of over-tourism, maintain cleanliness and solve neighbourhood issues.

Barcelona & Valencia, Spain

Barcelona is set to increase its municipal tourism tax in April 2024, focussing on attracting high-value tourism over mass tourism. The tax, currently EUR 2.75 per night, will rise to EUR 3.25, while Valencia will also introduce a tourist tax, which varies from 50 cents to EUR 2 per night. The tax is applicable to all of the regions of Valencia. 

Iceland

Iceland will introduce a tourist tax in 2024, but the exact amount is yet to be determined. Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir says that the fee will be reasonable and contribute to sustainability programs, aligning with Iceland’s goal to become carbon-neutral by 2040.

Olhão, Portugal

Olhão, the largest fishing port in Portugal’s Algarve region, started charging a tourist tax in June 2023. Half of the revenue was allocated to combat the negative impact of tourism. According to the measure, visitors will have to pay EUR 2 per night during the high season and EUR 1 during the rest of the year.

Venice, Italy

One of the foremost European cities facing overtourism, tourists to Venice may face a EUR 5 fee in 2024 on 30 non-consecutive days, as the city is dedicated to managing mass tourism. The fee applies to visitors over 14 years old and will be implemented through a digital portal with a downloadable QR code.

Denmark

Denmark plans to introduce a ‘passenger tax’ for flights in 2025, charging air travellers around EUR 8.4 for flights within Europe, EUR 32 for medium-distance flights, and EUR 51 for long-distance flights by 2030. The revenue will be allocated for the use of 100 pc sustainable fuels on domestic flights.

European Union

Starting in 2025, non-EU residents entering Europe without special visa requirements will need to register through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), costing about EUR 7 per person. This electronic visa waiver aims to strengthen border security and protect EU citizens.

Bali, Indonesia 

Bali in Indonesia will introduce a fee of EUR 8.80 for international and domestic arrivals from February 14, 2024. This will need to be paid at special booths at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and the proceeds will go towards projects that ‘preserve the environment, nature and culture as well as improving quality’ of Bali.