tourism tax

Hawaii Is the Latest Place to Consider a Tourist Tax—Here's Where Else Travelers Need to Pay to Enter

By Olivia Morelli

Hawaii is the latest destination to consider taxing visitors to help address the effects of climate change and overtourism, two issues that are particularly front of mind in the Aloha State following the devastating Lahaina fire .

The so-called climate tax is part of a bill first introduced in January that could pass as early as this spring. If approved, visitors to Hawaii would be charged a $25 flat fee during check-in at hotels and short-term rentals. The money would go onto support sustainability initiatives in the state including wildfire and flood prevention, coral reef restoration, emergency water supplies, green infrastructure, and coastal restoration.

The concept of tourist tax isn’t a new one. They have long been the norm for many countries in Europe such as Greece, Spain, and Germany, and hotel tax is standard across many destinations, including US states. The impact of the pandemic on the travel industry was severe—hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues closed, people that relied on tourism for their livelihoods suddenly faced huge losses, and money that the government relied on for development and maintenance was depleted. As a result, many countries have decided to implement a tourist tax to help support local needs. Below, we take a look at what exactly tourist tax is, and which places are introducing the measure for 2024.

Bhutan's tourist tax (one of the most expensive fees on the list) recently decreased from $200 to $100 per night.

What is tourist tax?

Originally, tourist tax was introduced by certain governments with the aim of tempering overtourism and generating income from large numbers of travelers entering the destination. Bhutan , for example, has asked tourists to pay a significant sum of money to enter since it opened to international visitors in 1974. The country uses the tax (called the Daily Sustainable Development Fee) in an attempt to preserve the country’s natural, undisturbed beauty and to protect traditional Buddhist culture . Barcelona , meanwhile, uses the city’s tourist tax to fund local construction and development projects. Most tourist taxes are added onto the cost of your accommodation in the form of a percent or flat fee.

Which destinations will begin imposing tourist taxes in 2024?

• This January, Iceland reintroduced its tourist tax following a pandemic hiatus.
• The Indonesian government began taxing travelers visiting Bali from February 14, 2024.
• In 2024, the UK is imposing a new system called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), whereby visitors from the US, Europe, Australia, and Canada will be required to apply for permission and pay to enter the country.
• Pro tip: Next year, the EU will begin implementing a new tourist visa , whereby non-EU citizens traveling from outside the Schengen zone will need to fill out a €7 (around $7.57) application to enter the country.

Bali started charging tourists a $10 entrance fee on February 14, 2024.

Which destinations currently impose tourist tax?

The below destinations currently impose tourist taxes on travelers entering the country, but the amount of tax charged changes frequently. While we have included some guidance on projected costs, make sure you check with your accommodation or the tourism board for each destination before traveling.

• Austria : The cost of tourist tax is typically added onto your accommodation bill, and is around 3.2% in Vienna.
• Belgium : In Brussels, the tourist tax is typically below $5 and is added onto your accommodation bill, but it varies from city to city.
• Bhutan : Visitors to Bhutan are required to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per person.
• Bulgaria : Tourist tax in Bulgaria varies on destination and hotel standard, but it is usually below $2.
• Caribbean islands: Most of the Caribbean islands charge tourist tax, and the price ranges depending on the island–in St Lucia, for example, it is around 8%, whereas in the Dominican Republic it is 18%.
• Croatia : The cost of tourist tax in Croatia depends on the season you are traveling in and where you are staying.
• Czech Republic: In Prague , tourist tax typically costs around CZK 50 per night (around $2).
• France : Tourist tax here is based on a municipal rate, but the standard cost is typically under $6 a night. As of this January, the nightly visitor fee in Paris has increased to between $3 and $17, dependent on hotel type.
• Germany : It varies from city to city–in Berlin , the standard tourist tax is 5% of the accommodation price.
• Greece : The price you pay in Greece depends on the standard and size of your accommodation. It shouldn’t be more than $5 per night.
• Hungary : Travelers should expect to pay around 4% of the cost of accommodation per night.
• Iceland: The newly reintroduced fee applies to travelers staying at campsites (about $2), hotels (about $4), and cruises (about $7).
• Italy: Venice will begin charging tourists a €5 nightly fee (about $5.50) in 2024.
• Indonesia: Starting on February 14, travelers will have to pay 150,000 rupiah (around $10) upon entering Bali .
• Italy : Depending on the city, tourist tax can be somewhere between $1 and $8 per night.
• Japan : If you’re traveling to Japan, expect to pay 1,000 yen (about $6.65) in tourist tax.
• Malaysia : In 2023, the cost of tourist tax across Malaysia was approximately $2 per night.
• New Zealand: Travelers visiting New Zealand have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) which costs $35 NZD (about $22).
• Portugal : The country charges tourist tax in 13 cities, including Lisbon and Porto . The cost is about $2 per night.
• Thailand : The tourist tax for travelers visiting Thailand is 300 baht (about $8) for visitors arriving by air and 150 baht (about $4) for those arriving by land or water.
• The Netherlands : Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most expensive places for tourist tax–currently the rate states at 7% of accommodation price plus a flat rate of €3 (about $3.24) per person per night.
• Switzerland : The price varies depending on the destination, and it ranges from about CHF 2 (about $2.30) to CHF 7 (about $8) per person per night.
• Slovenia : Again, the rate changes from destination to destination (it is higher in cities than in more rural areas), but generally the cost is around €3 (about $3.24).
• Spain : Several cities in Spain have recently decided to raise the price of tourist tax, and other cities are in discussions about following suit. In Barcelona, the fee is €4 (about $4.30), whereas in the Balearic Islands the fee is between €1 (about $1.10).
• USA: When traveling to the US, visitors need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is a type of visa allowing travellers to stay in the country for up to 90 stays. It is valid for two years. The cost of an ESTA is $21. A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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Tourist tax: These are the destinations you’ll have to pay to enter

By Olivia Morelli

The concept of tourist tax isn’t a new one. City tax has long been the norm for many countries in Europe such as Greece , Spain and Germany , and hotel tax is standard across many destinations, including US states. The impact of Covid on the travel industry was severe – hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues closed, people that relied on tourism for their livelihoods suddenly faced huge losses, and money that the government relied on for development and maintenance was depleted. As a result, while travel continues to normalise post-pandemic, many countries have decided to implement a tourist tax to boost economies and reinvigorate locals. Below, we take a look at what exactly tourist tax is, and which countries are introducing the measure for 2024.

What is tourist tax?

Originally, tourist tax was introduced by certain governments with the aim of tempering over-tourism and generating income from large numbers of travellers entering the destination. Bhutan, for example, has asked tourists to pay a significant sum of money to enter since it opened to travellers in 1974. The country uses the tax (called the Daily Sustainable Development Fee) in an attempt to preserve the country’s natural, undisturbed beauty and to protect traditional Buddhist culture. Similarly, Barcelona uses the city’s tourist tax to fund construction and development projects locally – typically it is around €5 per day per person. Most tourist taxes are added onto the cost of your accommodation.

Which destinations will begin imposing tourist taxes in 2024?

• In Italy , Venice are charging day tourists a fee as of spring 2024
• The Indonesian government has announced that a tourist tax will be imposed on travellers visiting Bali from 14 February 2024
• In 2024, the UK is imposing a new system called an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), whereby visitors from the US, Europe, Australia and Canada will be required to apply for permission and pay to enter the country .
• Next year, the EU will begin implementing a new tourist visa, whereby non-EU citizens travelling from outside the Schengen zone will need to fill out a €7 application to enter the country.

Which destinations currently impose tourist tax?

The below destinations impose tourist taxes on travellers entering the country, but the amount of tax charged changes frequently. We have included some guidance on projected costs, but make sure you check with your accommodation or the tourism board for each destination before travelling to be sure how much you need to pay.

• Austria : the cost of tourist tax is typically added onto your accommodation bill, and is around 3.2 per cent in Vienna .
• Belgium : in Brussels tourist tax is mainly below £3.50, and is added onto your accommodation bill, but it varies from city to city.
• Bhutan : since September 2023, the daily Sustainable Development Fee in Bhutan has dropped to £157 for adults.
• Bulgaria : tourist tax in Bulgaria varies on destination and hotel standard, but it is usually below £1.30.
• Caribbean Islands: most of the Caribbean islands charge tourist tax, and the price ranges depending on the island – in St Lucia , for example, it is around 8 per cent, whereas in the Dominican Republic it is 18 per cent.
• Croatia : the cost of tourist tax in Croatia depends on the season you are travelling in and where you are staying, but it ranges from 20p to 70p per day.
• Czech Republic: in Prague, tourist tax typically costs around CZK 50 per night (around £1.71).
• France : here tourist tax is based on a municipal rate, but standard cost is between 20p and £4.30 per night.
• Germany : it varies from city to city – in Berlin, the standard tourist tax is five per cent of the accommodation price.
• Greece : the price you pay in Greece depends on the standard and size of your accommodation. It shouldn’t be more than £3.50 per night.
• Hungary : travellers should expect to pay four per cent of the cost of accommodation per night.
• Indonesia: from Wednesday 14 February 2024, travellers will have to pay 150,000 rupiah (£7.60) upon entering Bali.
• Italy : depending on the city, tourist tax can be somewhere between 80p and £6.10 per night.
• Japan : if you’re travelling to Japan , expect to pay 1,000 yen (about £5.50) in tourist tax.
• Malaysia : in 2023, the cost of tourist tax across Malaysia is £1.68 per night.
• New Zealand: travellers visiting New Zealand have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) which costs $35 NZD (£16.80)
• Portugal : this country charges tourist tax in 13 cities, including Lisbon and Porto . The cost is £1.75 per night.
• The Netherlands : Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most expensive places for tourist tax – currently the rate states at seven per cent of accommodation price plus a flat rate of €3 (£2.61)per person per night
• Switzerland : the price of tourist tax here varies depending on the destination, and it ranges from about CHF 2 (£1.81) to CHF 7 (£6.34) per person per night.
• Slovenia : again, the rate changes from destination to destination (it is higher in cities than in more rural areas), but generally the cost is around €3 (£2.61)
• Spain : several cities in Spain have recently decided to raise the price of tourist tax, and other cities are in discussions about following suit. In Barcelona , the fee is €4 (£3.48), whereas in the Balearic Islands the fee is between €1 (87p).
• USA: when travelling to the USA from the UK, visitors need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which is a type of visa allowing travellers to stay in the country for up to 90 stays. It is valid for two years. The cost of an ESTA is $21 (about £17)

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Which major destinations charge a tourist tax (or are planning to soon)?

When traveling abroad, it's a good idea to account for any tourism taxes you must pay during your stay.

Some are a small extra cost added to what you pay for your accommodation per night. Others may be a one-and-done (or even daily) fee, such as Thailand's tourist tax . In some places like Bhutan, these fees can be quite costly.

You might find your vacation spot has implemented this kind of tax for several reasons. It could be a response to overtourism and concerns about sustainability and the environment (case in point: Venice, Italy), or it could simply be a way to help the local economy put funds back into tourism infrastructure.

Here, we'll look at top tourist destinations that charge a tourism tax and how much each will cost you.

After increasing its tourist tax in 2024, Amsterdam now has the highest tourist levy in Europe, with hotels, vacation rentals (including Airbnbs) and camping sites all charging guests an additional 12.5% of their overnight rate (excluding value-added tax).

Meanwhile, cruise travelers are charged 14 euros (around $15) as part of the "day tripper tax" for every day spent in Amsterdam. The charge, however, excludes passengers who start or end their cruise in Amsterdam and those living in Amsterdam.

Find out more about the various kinds of taxes on Amsterdam's official website .

Balearic Islands, Spain

Fees on the islands vary from 1 to 4 euros per night, depending on the accommodation type, as follows:

• 4 euros (around $4.30) for those staying in luxury hotels
• 3 euros (around $3.20) for those staying in midrange hotels
• 2 euros (around $2.15) for cruise passengers and those staying in cheaper hotels and apartments
• 1 euro (around $1) for campers and hostel guests

This sustainable tourism tax applies to Minorca, Mallorca, Formentera and Ibiza. Travelers under the age of 16 are exempt.

Germany charges tourists both a culture tax, known as "kulturforderabgabe," and a bed tax, known as "bettensteuer," in several of its more popular cities, including Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt.

In Berlin, the tourist tax is 5% of the room price. It varies in other cities such as Frankfurt (2 euros per night) and Hamburg (up to 3 euros per night).

Depending on the accommodation type (either the number of stars the hotel holds or the number of rooms), Greece charges 0.50 euros to 4 euros per night.

Manchester, England

The newly introduced City Visitor Charge costs 1 British pound ($1.25) per room, per night.

France's tourist tax varies depending on which city you are visiting but generally costs 0.80 euros to 4 euros per night, depending on the kind of accommodation you choose. Find out more .

This year, however, Paris' tourist tax has been raised in advance of the Summer Olympics. You can now expect to pay between 0.75 and 15 euros per night, depending on your accommodation.

The tax is 2 euros per night for the first seven nights in Lisbon, Porto, Faro and nine other municipalities. Other parts of the country that charge a tourist tax usually have lower fees, around 1 euro to 1.50 euros per night.

In the capital of the Czech Republic, there is a charge of 50 korunas ($2.11) per person, per night for hotel stays.

In Rome, the tax varies from 3 to 7 euros per night, depending on the star rating of your accommodation.

In addition to the tourist taxes for Spain's Balearic Islands mentioned above, you'll find a couple of taxes apply when visiting Barcelona.

The city charges two different taxes to tourists. The first is the city tax, which increased in April 2024 to 3.25 euros per night. Visitors must also pay a regional tax depending upon the type of accommodation they're staying in.

• 2.25 euros per night for rental accommodations
• 1.70 euros per night for four-star hotels
• 3.50 euros per night for five-star and luxury hotels

Cruise passengers also pay different amounts depending on the length of their stay. Expect to pay 3 euros for visits less than 12 hours and 2 euros for visits longer than 12 hours.

Venice, Italy

Taxes in this popular tourist destination vary from 1 euro to 5 euros per night and are paid to your accommodation. A separate tax for people visiting on a daytrip during peak times between April and mid-July costs 5 euros.

Other destinations

Additional places in Europe that charge tourist taxes include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Hungarian capital of Budapest, Malta, Montenegro, Slovenia and Switzerland. Some locales may only have regional tourist taxes.

Tourist taxes can always be introduced later, so be sure to do your own research before you travel. This is especially true for Edinburgh, Scotland, as the city is on the brink of introducing a tax of 2 euros per night . Potential tourism tax discussions are also underway in Wales .

North America

A Transient Occupancy Tax of around 12% to 14% of the room price will appear on California hotel stays, according to Turbotax . There may be other tourism-related taxes as well.

Rates vary across the country, but Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec are among the areas that add a visitor tax to a hotel's price.

While Hawaii doesn't currently have a tourist tax, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green proposed a $25 fee on visitors when they arrive and check in to a hotel or short-term rental; it may pick up speed and become a reality at some point. This isn't the first time a fee on visitors has been suggested in Hawaii, with previous calls for a $50 so-called Green Fee visitor payment also recently put forward.

New York City

New York City charges a hotel room occupancy tax to visitors that costs about 14% of the room price plus up to $2 per room, per night, according to the New York City government website .

In addition to the ones mentioned above, you should expect taxes and fees on hotel stays in most other U.S. states.

Latin America, South America and the Caribbean

Buenos Aires

Tourists will pay $1.50 per room, per night when staying in Argentina's capital city.

The Caribbean

Taxes vary by country in the Caribbean. For example, Bonaire has a one-off $75 fee that tourists need to pay via its official website , while Aruba adds 12.5% to your room rate plus $3 per room, per night. In Barbados, you'll pay $2.50 to $10 per room, per night, and there will typically be a $70 departure tax already included in your flight cost.

Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also known to apply tourist taxes. Check details before booking or traveling, as there may be a departure tax already included in your airfare.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

In 2024, entry fees for visitors to Galapagos National Park are set to double in cost, with visitors now paying $200 to enter the park from Aug. 1. A reduced fee is set to be available for children under the age of 12, and children younger than 2 will be able to enter for free.

Quintana Roo, Mexico

This region charges a one-off tourist payment of 224 Mexican pesos (around $13) to visit any destination in Quintana Roo. This includes Cancun, Cozumel, Holbox, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. A tourist tax may also be added to hotel stays in these areas and other parts of Mexico.

Asia and the Pacific

Bali, Indonesia

Bali introduced a tourist tax in February 2024. It charges 150,000 rupiahs (around $9.25) in addition to other visa fees. The tax aims to combat overtourism on the popular island.

Until recently, Bhutan charged a whopping $200 fee per day. Known as the Sustainable Development Fee, this tourist tax is designed to assist with paying for infrastructure improvements, environmental efforts and fair wages for locals, among other things.

However, this was recently reduced to around $100 per day to encourage more people to visit. This is the most expensive tourist tax in the world and is paid regardless of your accommodation type.

There is a charge of 1,000 yen ($6.47) included in all airfare for flights departing Japan. Find out more .

Malaysia's tourist tax costs 10 Malaysian ringgits ($2.08) per room, per night.

The tourism tax in the Maldives ranges from $3 to $6 per day. The Green Tax total varies depending on if you're staying in a guesthouse, hotel or resort. Find out more .

New Zealand

When you book your New Zealand visa, you'll usually pay 35 New Zealand dollars ($20.60) for the International Visitor Levy.

A one-time fee of 300 baht ($8.14) was introduced in June 2023. All tourists arriving by air will need to pay this tax. For visitors who enter the country via a port or land border, the fee will be 150 baht.

Bottom line

More and more, tourist taxes are becoming a regular part of travel around the world. While these fees are nominal and shouldn't cause too much of a dent in your budget in most cases, they can rack up quite quickly in some destinations if you're not careful. Always research the fees at the destination you plan to visit before you get there, and make sure you budget for it if you don't want a surprise bill.

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The pros and cons of a tourist tax

Visitor levies can boost tourism but a lack of transparency troubles critics

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1. Pro: pays for costs of tourism

2. con: consumer spending squeeze, 3. pro: avoids overtourism, 4. con: discourages visitors, 5. pro: supports investment, 6. con: lack of transparency.

Visitors to Wales could soon be paying more for an overnight stay amid plans to introduce a tourism tax in the country.

If the plans are confirmed Wales would follow in the footsteps of Manchester , which has introduced a tourist tax for people making overnight stays in the city and comes into operation tomorrow, said the BBC .

Many destinations around the world have tourism taxes, noted VisaGuide , including Barcelona, Venice, Thailand and Slovenia. It has proven a controversial topic though, with disagreement over whether it boosts the tourism industry or threatens its very survival.

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Supporters say a tourism tax can lead to the increasingly elusive goal of a well-managed, sustainable, and lucrative tourism industry, with the costs of tourism being picked up in a well-run way.

Recommending that the Welsh government should introduce a tourist tax, the Bevan Foundation argued that such a move would “help to reflect the true costs of tourism” such as “clearing up litter, providing car parking, keeping beaches clean” and “building public footpaths”.

Some feel that adding yet more pounds to the cost of a holiday is dangerous during a cost-of-living crisis. The tourism sector in Edinburgh is, for the most part, “vocally opposed to the introduction of a tourist tax, particularly in the current economic climate”, claimed Holyrood magazine.

Marc Crothall of the Scottish Tourism Alliance told the outlet that 60% of visitors are domestic, who “may at present be reaching a tipping point due to a consumer spending squeeze”.

By increasing the cost to visit certain areas, a tourist tax can help reduce overcrowding and make the experience more enjoyable. This can help avoid “overtourism” – where locals or visitors feel that there are too many tourists, leading to deterioration in quality of life.

For instance, Bhutan has “only ever been reluctantly open to tourists”, said The Times , but now the mountain kingdom is “cranking its tourism tax to an eye-watering level” by charging up to $200 (£161) a day in tax.

The flipside is that by increasing the cost of visiting a particular location, tourism taxes could discourage some tourists from choosing destinations that actively want more visitors.

Some “deem this sort of levy unnecessary or even detrimental to the sector – driving away visitors or limiting their spending during their visit”, said accountants Knights Lowe . However, in a poll, hoteliers in Manchester voted 80% in favour of the tourist tax, said EuroNews , suggesting that fears it could damage tourism are not widespread.

A tourist tax can generate additional cash for the local government and tourism industry, which can be used to fund infrastructure and services that benefit tourists and residents alike.

“From signage to facilities to the myriad of public realm improvements that make places attractive”, tourism infrastructure comes “at public cost”, said the Bevan Foundation, and “while the public do benefit, so too does the tourism industry”, so both parties should chip in.

Some suspect that tourism taxes will simply disappear into wider local authority budgets. Perhaps the “largest challenges” of a tourism tax is “ensuring transparency around how it’s used”, said Rosie Spinks on Skift .

If the money “just goes into a general pot because local finances are strained”, said Tim Fairhurst, secretary general of the non-profit European Tourism Association, and if it’s just seen as “a classic ‘tourists don’t vote, you can get easy money off them’”, then that is “not a smart way to go”.

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Destinations behind a paywall? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

Travelers to Venice will have to pay up to see its historic canals and islands, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To regulate heavy tourist traffic and “protect residents,” the City of Water announced tourist groups will be capped at 25 people – about half the capacity of a tourist bus – and ban loudspeakers, which create “disturbances,” according to the Italian city. Over the summer, crowds in St. Mark’s Square, the city’s main plaza, caused bridges to back up , and tourists saw overflowing trash cans. 

The city said the biggest culprits are day-trippers, who don’t add much economic value to the city – like eating at local hotels or restaurants – while still putting pressure on the city’s infrastructure. In 2022, 30 million people visited the City of Canals, but only 3.2 million stayed overnight in the historic city center. 

“I refuse to visit the city during tourist season even when friends and family are staying with me because the crowds are so crazy,” Nathan Heinrich, an American writer and designer who holds dual citizenship in Italy and lives just outside Venice, told USA TODAY.

This year, the city will trial a new day-tripper entrance fee of €5 per person ($5.44) during 29 peak days between April and mid-July. To enforce the fee, daytime visitors must register online and download a QR code, which officials will randomly ask to verify. If a traveler doesn't have the code, they can pay the tax on the spot along with an extra fine of up to €100 ($108.82).

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The news makes Venice the latest popular destination to increase fees aimed at tourists. Last year, Amsterdam announced it would increase its tourist tax by 12.5%, making it the highest in Europe. Closer to home, Hawaii failed to pass a widely supported bill in May that would make tourists pay for a $50 pass to enjoy the islands’ natural beauty.

As the demand to see and experience new places only strengthens, many popular destinations are working to add or increase fees aimed at the sheer number of travelers they get.

“There are concerns about overtourism and the strain it puts on the local infrastructure, the environmental impacts, and frankly it’s just a revenue stream,” Jason Block, CEO of travel advising company and a collection of travel brands known as WorldVia Travel Group, told USA TODAY. “You look at these places that are really dependent on tourism as an industry – and especially coming out of the pandemic where they lost a lot of that revenue – they’re playing a little bit of catch-up. They’re also seeing other destinations implementing without much impact to demand.”

Experts consider these fees the future of travel, so here’s how they are going to affect travelers. 

What are tourist taxes?

Tourist taxes are “something virtually every destination has in some shape or form” as a way to generate income from travelers, Block said. 

Nearly all destinations have a lodging tax, which is automatically added to your final hotel bill. Honolulu raised its lodging tax two years ago, adding up to 18% onto the hotel room rate. Destinations also have similar fees added onto final airline ticket prices or port charges if traveling by cruise ship.

More destinations are raising these fees to coincide with the increased demand. In January 2023, Aruba raised its lodging tax from 9% to 12.5%, and Amsterdam’s will rise from 7% to 12.5% this year. 

As for entrance fees like Venice’s or the upcoming electronic visa for the United Kingdom , these are newer concepts, but Block fully expects them to stay.  

“The lodging taxes have been there forever now, but you’re seeing places that have a separate environmental fee or levy or another line item, like an entry fee,” Block said. “You’ll see three, four, five line items. So it starts with your simple hotel transaction or a short weekend flight, a night in a hotel, and activities could have a lot of different tax lines.”

Where does the tourist tax revenue go?

It’s not all bad news for travelers, Block said. 

The money from tourist taxes are more likely than not reinvested into the destination. Though the revenue is typically aimed at improving life for the residents, it will also “make the travel experience better,” Block said. “One of the worst things you can do is pay for your dream trip to Venice and have a bad experience because the sewers are overrun or the roads are bad.”

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Iceland , known for its striking natural beauty, said it would broaden its accommodation tax to help protect its environment for future generations. The fee increase also aligns with the country’s goal to be carbon-neutral by 2040. 

“Tourists are enjoying (these resources), so they should foot part of the bill,” Block said. 

How are tourist taxes going to affect travelers? 

It depends. As more places introduce more fees, there can be concerns of a lack of transparency, Block said. It’s crucial for travelers to look closely at the breakdown of their airfare or hotel room and not just base their budget off the advertised price, he added. 

Though these fees seem inconsequential at first, they can add up. “When you add it all up for a week for a family of four, even if you’re sharing a single hotel room, that’s not insignificant,” Block said. Paris charges a flat €4 ($4.35) per person per night lodging fee, so for a family of four for seven nights, there’s an additional €112 ($121.88) on the hotel bill. 

Despite this, many travelers support the fees if it means contributing to the destination’s sustainability. 

"It's such a stunning place, with its canals and narrow alleys, but the sheer number of people visiting is putting a strain on it,” said Kayden Roberts, a digital nomad who visited in 2023. “Introducing a tourist tax here makes a lot of sense. It's not just about making money; it's about keeping Venice beautiful and preserving its cultural and historical treasures.”

Heinrich, the American designer, doesn’t think tourists will even bat an eye at the fees and will continue with their travel plans. “Anyone who can afford to take a trip to Italy can most likely afford a few extra euros to take a day trip into the city,” he said.

Others are worried the increase in tourist taxes could limit accessibility for travelers with lower budgets, but finding a solution is tricky. “This could be the start of a slippery slope of exclusivity that puts popular and important tourist destinations behind a paywall," said Heather Rameau, a content creator for travel brands based in Washington, D.C. “Ultimately, we all share this world and deserve access to see its beautiful places.

“Is there a need to better regulate and control the number of people visiting popular tourist spots, especially those that have a delicate ecosystem or are at risk due to climate change or other factors? Yes,” she said. “But is charging more money the way to do it? I'm not sure.”

Where has the highest tourist taxes?

• Amsterdam: 12.5% of the nightly lodging rate
• Barcelona: - Up to €6.25 ($6.80) per person, per night
• Paris: - About €4 ($4.35) per person, per night
• Dominican Republic: 23% of the hotel rate goes to taxes
• Antigua and Barbuda: $100 for entry/exit fee
• Honolulu: Up to 18% of the nightly lodging rate

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Funding for a regenerative future – could tourism taxes be part of the answer?

Transforming Vision Into Action - Guidelines and Tools

16 December 2020

As the world continues to reel from the shocks of the pandemic, the destinations that were once overcrowded with tourists are now faced with a dearth of visitors. During 2019 and early 2020, many destinations were exploring tourism taxation to regulate visitor flow and mitigate the negative impacts of  too many visitors.

When COVID-19 turned the world of tourism upside-down, tax relief or cancellation was introduced with the intention of assisting the industry. As the discussions began on how to ‘build back better’, a key question remains on how a regenerative future can be funded.  Could well designed tourism taxes be part of the answer?

This is the starting point of a newly published White Paper: “Tourism Taxes by Design”, which explores how tourism taxation can be designed to support recovery and the long-term development of a more resilient and regenerative tourism economy. The research was developed by Group NAO and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement and has been launched in partnership with European Tourism Association (ETOA) with support from nine urban tourism destinations.

The white paper explores the different kinds of tourism-related taxes, the existing models and revenue flows already in place and their impact, including further research into the current funding situation of destination organisations (DMOs) in Europe. Twenty-one out of 30 European countries have implemented tax, levies and duties on travel and tourism services that offer multiple examples and models where tourism tax revenue is used to invest in sustainable tourism development.  

Exploring the different taxation designs and models, it is clear that there is no one size fits all solution, although most of the tourism-related taxes have an element of regulatory design. While tourism taxation has generally been perceived as the ‘elephant in the room’, the white paper research shows that the perceived negative impacts on demand and competitiveness are rather marginal. Furthermore, consumers are inclined to be more willing to pay taxes if there is transparent reinvestment of the tax revenue for ear-marked “good purposes” (sustainability, local community, cultural and natural preservation).

Seven ways tourism-related tax can work :

Tourism taxes can be designed with manifold intentions and parameters. Across  all the research and data, the white paper identifies generic tax models and the roles tourism taxes can play:

Revenue generation – revenue from tourism taxes goes into the general government budget.

Regulate flows and behaviour with basic design parameters such as differentiated rates according to seasonality, city zones, type of establishment etc.

Relief in times of crisis: Many states have suspended taxes or lowered VAT during the COVID-19 crisis.

Reload : It is common for many destinations to allocate tourism tax revenues to promote the destination, marketing, and branding.

Rethink : Some destinations allocate tourism tax revenue to tourism innovation and research.

Regeneration : Some destinations use revenues to regenerate the destination’s natural and cultural resources.

Resilience: Taxing for resilience is mostly a theoretical objective, but it has high potential as a means of facing the next big crisis with buildup of funds for insurance purposes and cancellation guarantees for event owners.

Seven design criteria for tourism tax:

Earmark and ring-fence: There is a consensus among leading associations, intergovernmental organisations and amongst local stakeholders that tourism tax is a specialised tax and its revenues should be allocated and invested as such, in particular for tourism promotion or for regenerative purposes.

Local governance adds collaborative capability : Local governance is often key to balancing stakeholder interests and to earn political support for the tax regime and support of the local DMO. The local distribution of funds adds to the legitimacy of the tax and collaborative capability of the destination.

High visibility and transparency works with consumers :  Case studies prove that tourism taxes are often well received with consumers if communicated as a modest contribution to be used for purposeful, regenerative projects and activities.

Public engagement and consultation is key : Governments or destinations looking to introduce or change tourism taxation policies need to engage in open and public conversation.

Specify how to comply : Governments or destinations shall offer advice and extensive instructions on how to comply, including to less resourceful SMEs and by committing industry associations and platforms.

Monitor and evaluate impact : There is a lack of good data as well as monitoring, evaluation, and analysis of the impact of tourism-related taxes and incentives to ensure they are meeting their stated objectives without adversely affecting tourism competitiveness.

Consider both benefits and burdens : It is vital to also understand and address both benefits and burdens of the visitor economy to the destination that present themselves in many forms.

Overall, the research and case studies prove that well-designed tourism taxes can be both practical and meaningful tools in the sustainable management of the destination’s resources. Regenerative tax can offer a vital lifeline to recovery.

Read the white paper Tourism Taxes by Design .

This article for Transforming One Planet Vision into Action has been brought to you by Group NAO and Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM). The White Paper was developed with the support of 9 European city destinations. The project has been implemented in parallel with a similar project in the US / Americas by Miles Partnership, Civitas and Tourism Economics and we have continuously shared methodologies, results, and reflections. In addition, European Cities Marketing (ECM) decided to carry out a 2020-member survey on the DMO financial situation in collaboration with Group NAO – the results of which will also feed into this study. Finally, European Tourism Association (ETOA) has generously shared their valuable insights and research materials as part of our data sources and peer review process.  

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These are all the destinations you’ll need to pay extra to visit this year

More and more popular travel destinations are introducing tourist taxes to tackle problems caused by overtourism – here’s what you’ll have to pay

This year, international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019 – and while that’s great news for the tourism industry in general, many cities, attractions and entire regions are suffering under the weight of overtourism .

The potential for damage to historic sites, unhinged tourist behaviour  and the simple issue of overcrowding are all common consequences of overtourism. That’s why a growing list of popular travel destinations have introduced a tourist tax, with the hopes of controlling visitor numbers and improving local infrastructure to better cater to higher visitor capacity. 

Many countries and cities introduced a tourist tax in 2023, and many more are due to launch theirs in 2024. Tourist taxes aren’t a new thing – you’ve probably paid one before, tied in with the cost of a plane ticket or the taxes you pay at a hotel. 

However, more destinations than ever before are creating this fee for tourists, and many places have increased the cost of existing ones. Here’s a full list of all the destinations charging a tourist tax in 2024, including all the recently introduced and upcoming tourist taxes you need to know about. 

Austria charges visitors a nightly accommodation tax which differs depending on province. In Vienna or Salzburg , you could pay 3.02 percent per person on top of the hotel bill. 

Belgium , like Austria, has a nightly fee. Some hotels include it in the rate of the room and add it separately to your bill, so read it carefully.

The rate in Brussels is charged per room, and varies depending on the size and rating of your hotel, but is usually around €7.50. Antwerp also charges per room. 

Bhutan has always been known for its steep tourist taxes and charges. In 2022, the Himalayan kingdom  tripled the amount it charged visitors in tax  to a minimum of  $200 per day , but that amount has since been lowered. In 2024, the daily fee for the majority of visitors is  $ 100,  and that is due to continue until August 31, 2027. 

Bulgaria applies a fee to overnight stays, but it reaches a maximum of only €1.50. 

Caribbean Islands

The following Caribbean Islands charge a tourist tax, ranging from between €13 to €45: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic , Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. 

The tax tends to be tied into the cost of a hotel or a departure fee. 

Croatia only charges its visitors a fee of 10 kuna (€1.33) per night during peak season. 

Czechia (also known as Czech Republic)

Czechia only applies a fee to those travelling to Prague . It doesn’t apply to those under the age of 18, and is less than €1 per person, per night. 

France ’s ‘taxe de séjour’ varies depending on city, and tends to be added to your hotel bill. It varies from €0.20 to €4 per person, per night. 

Earlier this month, Paris announced it would be increasing its fee by up to 200 percent for those staying in hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites, but that it plans to put the funds towards improving the city’s services and infrastructure. 

READ MORE: The cost of visiting Paris will soar this summer – here’s why

Germany charges visitors a ‘culture tax’ (kulturförderabgabe) and a ‘bed tax’ (bettensteuer) in certain cities, including Frankfurt , Hamburg and Berlin , which tends to be around five percent of your hotel bill. 

Greece ’s tourist tax is based on numbers. Specifically, how many stars a hotel has, and the number of rooms you’re renting. The fee was introduced by the Greek Ministry of tourism to help pay off the country’s debt, and can be anything from €4 per room.

Hungary charges visitors four percent of the price of their room, but only in Budapest . 

Iceland is introducing a tourist tax to protect its ‘unspoilt nature’ this year, which will cost between  €4 to €7 per night. It comes after annual tourist numbers reached an estimated 2.3 million per year. 

In Indonesia , the only destination which charges a tourist tax is Bali , and the fee is set to increase this February  to $10 (£7.70, €8.90, IDR 150,000) – but is a one-time entry fee, not a nightly tax. It apparently goes towards protecting the island’s ‘environment and culture.’

Much like in France, Italy ’s tourist tax varies depending on your location. Rome ’s fee is usually between €3 to €7 per night, but some smaller Italian towns charge more. 

Venice finally announced in September that its tourist tax, a €5 (£4.30, $5.40) fee which will be applicable on various days during high season, will launch in 2024. It only applies to day-trippers rather than those staying overnight, though.

Japan has a departure tax of around 1,000 yen (€8). 

Malaysia has a flat-rate tax which it applies to each night you stay, of around €4 a night. 

New Zealand

New Zealand ’s tax comes in the from of an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of around €21 which much be paid upon arrival, but that does not apply to people from Australia. 

Netherlands

The Netherlands has both a land and water tax. Amsterdam is set to increase its fee  by 12.5 percent in 2024, making it the highest tourist tax in the European Union. 

Portugal has a low tourist tax of €2, which applies to all those over the age of 13. It’s only applicable on the first seven nights of your visit and applies in 13 Portuguese municipalities, including Faro, Lisbon and Porto.   

Olhão became the latest area to start charging the fee between April and October. Outside of this period, it gets reduced to €1 and is capped at five nights all year round. The money goes towards minimising the impact of tourism in the Algarve town. 

Slovenia also bases its tax on location and hotel rating. In larger cities and resorts, such as Ljubljana and Bled, the fee is higher, but still only around €3 per night. 

Spain 

Spain applies its Sustainable Tourism Tax to holiday accommodation in the Balearic Islands to each visitor over the age of sixteen. Tourists can be charged up to €4 per night during high season. 

Barcelona ’s city authorities announced they plan to increase the city’s tourist tax over the next two years – the fee is set to rise to €3.25 on April 1, 2024. The council said the money would go towards improving infrastructure and services. This is in addition to regional Catalan tax. 

Switzerland

Switzerland ’s tax varies depending on location, but the per person, per night cost is around €2.20. It tends to be specified as a separate amount on your accommodation bill. 

Thailand 

Thailand introduced a tourist tax to the price of flights in April 2022, in a similar effort to the Balinese aim of moving away from its rep as a ‘cheap’ holiday destination. The fee for all international visitors is 300 baht (£6.60, $9). 

The US has an ‘occupancy tax’ which applies across most of the country to travellers renting accommodation such as hotels, motels and inns. Houston is estimated to be the highest, where they charge you an extra 17 percent of your hotel bill. 

Hawaii  could be imposing a ‘green fee’ – initially set at $50 but since lowered to $25 – which would apply to every tourist over the age of 15. It still needs to be passed by lawmakers, but if approved, it wouldn’t be instated until 2025.

The European Union

Finally, the European Union is planning on introducing a tourist visa , due to start in 2024. The €7 application will have to be filled out by all non-Schengen visitors between the ages of 18 and 70, including Brits and Americans. 

READ MORE: Why sustainable tourism isn’t enough anymore

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Palm Beach County Requirements

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About Tourist Development Tax

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) strengthens our local economy by supporting Palm Beach County’s tourism industry. Anyone who offers accommodations for short term rental (six months or less) is required to collect Tourist Development Tax from the guest when rent or accommodation charges are collected. TDT is 6% of total taxable rental receipts. It is an add-on tax and must be paid in addition to state sales tax.

Anyone who offers accommodations for short term rental (six months or less) in Palm Beach County must establish a TDT account using our Tourist Development Tax portal. You must also fill out a Business Tax Receipt Application for Short Term Rentals for each rental unit.

All TDT returns and payments must be filed and remitted online using our Tourist Development Tax portal. Remember to check with your local municipality for additional business tax payment information and other requirements.

How To Establish a TDT Account

Please follow these steps to establish your TDT account:

Step 1: Determine how you will manage your property

Determine if your property will be self-managed or agent-managed. Read Before Getting Started to learn more.

Step 2: Create your login

You must have a valid email address to create your login. We will use this email address for all correspondence and reminders. Read Create Your Login to learn more.

Step 3: Establish your TDT account

Create and verify your login to the TDT portal before creating your account. During this step, you will set up your TDT Business Account and add rental properties to your account. You will need the Property Control Number (PCN) for each property you intend to rent. Please read Create a New TDT Account for detailed information about this important step in the process.

Step 4 – Obtain a Short Term Rental Local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)

Per the Tourist Development Ordinance of Palm Beach County, Chapter 17, Article III, Sections 17-117 , anyone who offers accommodations for short term rental must have a valid Local Business Tax Receipt. Complete a Business Tax Receipt Application for Short Term Rental for each rental unit. This application will need to be completed online, by mail, or filed at our administrative office only. We do not process this application at any of our other service centers.

Step 5 – File a TDT return and remit payment each month

File a TDT return and remit payment by the 20th each month. For periods with no rental activity, file a TDT return indicating no rental activity and $0.00 due.

If you have questions or require assistance, please call (561) 355-3547 to speak with a TDT client service specialist Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also send us a message and one of dedicated team members will get back with you, visit Tourist Development Tax Contact to send us a message.

Create Your TDT Login

Now that you have reviewed Palm Beach County’s short term rental requirements and reviewed the steps for establishing a TDT account with our office, it’s time to set up your TDT login. Click here to go to the TDT portal now.

Helpful Tip

Please have the Property Control Number (PCN)  for each rental property handy. You will need to enter this number for each property you intend to rent.

How to File and Remit Payment

You must file a TDT return and remit payment by 11:59 p.m. EST by the 20th of every month. A TDT return is not considered filed until payment is received. You must file a return every month even during periods with no rental activity. Your return must indicate $0.00 due for that filing period. Make sure to file a zero return before the deadline to avoid a minimum $50 penalty and interest.

Please refer to our how to guide called File and Remit Payment for complete step-by-step instructions.

Our system makes it easy to file up to six returns in advance. This feature is helpful when you know you will not be offering your property for rent such as off-season during the summer months.

Agents who manage short term rental properties for their clients must have a valid Local Business Tax Receipt. For more information or to download an application, please visit the Local Business Tax Receipt section of this website.

If you have a valid BTR, you are ready to create a login in the TDT online portal. Please read our how to guide Before Getting Started – Agents. When you create a login, the system will send you an email to verify your account. You must click the verification link in the email and accept the terms and conditions.

Notify Your Clients

After you create a login, inform your clients and let them know they can now authorize you in the system. You will receive a system-generated email asking you to Accept or Decline your client’s request to grant you authorization. When you accept the request, the next time you login to the portal your client’s property will appear on your dashboard.

The following rentals/leases are specifically exempt:

• Bona fide written agreement for continuous residence longer than 6 months in duration
• Federal employees on official travel orders
• Governmental units (e.g. county, city, municipal)
• Employees of non-federal governmental units on official business
• Military employees on active duty
• Full-time students enrolled in an institution offering postsecondary education
• Foreign diplomats*

Please note that special conditions must be met in order for the transaction to be exempt. The accommodation owner/operator will become liable for any tax due in the event that an audit reveals ineligibility or inadequate documentation.

View Rule 12A-1.061, F.A.C. Rentals, Leases, and Licenses to Use Transient Accommodations

* NOTE: The Department of State has changed the exemption cards for U. S. Diplomats from a color coded system to images of one of four different animals: an owl, buffalo, eagle, or deer. Only a card with an image of an owl can be used for official stays at hotels. If a card is presented with an image of a buffalo, please check to ensure there is no amount restriction or the statement “not valid for hotels.” Please refer to the Florida Department of Revenue Tax Information Publication (TIP) 11A01-05 New U.S. Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards, dated 07/15/2011.

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What to know about new Venice entry fee, other summer destinations with a tourist tax

Many countries across Europe have implemented fees for foreign visitors.

Barcelona is among the top 20 summer destinations of 2024, and for anyone planning to visit the bustling Mediterranean metropolis known for its art and architecture, or other tourist-filled hotspots during high-season, there may be some additional costs to consider.

Many countries across Europe including Spain, Greece, Germany and most recently Venice, have implemented fees for foreign visitors to help support local costs of doing business, especially during the busy summer months. It's similar to that of a hotel occupancy tax that American travelers may be more familiar with for domestic stays.

MORE: The best luggage for kids for summer travel and beyond

What is a tourist tax.

"Tourist taxes are a rapidly growing trend," Clint Henderson, Managing Editor at The Points Guy, told "Good Morning America," adding that the fee system is increasingly popular "because it’s an easy way for cities to raise revenues without taxing local citizens. It’s also more politically palatable and it has the added benefit of helping to deal with over-tourism."

Henderson also pointed out that "Crowding at especially popular spots made famous by Instagram are simply out of control."

"Locals in places like Venice, [Italy] and Maui are also getting more vocal about problematic tourists," he said. "We think you’ll only see this trend of tourist taxes spread. Look for action from places like Hawaii in the future, which has been considering some kind of tax for a few years now."

The rural town of La Salut, located just outside Barcelona and best known for Park Güell mosaic-covered buildings, tapas bars and seafood restaurants, was recently removed from Google and Apple maps, Yahoo first reported , after being inundated with tourists taking over the locals' main bus route.

What to know about tourist fees abroad this summer

Henderson said tourism taxes "are not yet that widespread," with the caveat that "local taxes and fees are very common and often hidden in your hotel bill."

His tip? "Google your destination to see about potential fees before you go."

"Many hotels are now listing local taxes and fees in their online pricing, but you can always call ahead of time to make sure you won’t be facing additional 'destination' or 'resort' fees," he suggested.

Summer vacation destinations with a tourist tax

There are some newcomers adding a tourist tax for the first time this summer, and other nations increasing percentages that people will be expected to pay.

"Galapagos National Park is charging $200 as of August 1 to visit. Bhutan charges $100 per day. Wales and Hawaii are among the locations now considering tourist taxes," Henderson listed.

MORE: Try Before You Buy: The best neck pillows for travel

The Barcelona municipality recently increased its tourist tax from 2.75 euros to 3.25 euros on April 1.

The tourist tax for the Olympics host nation is based on a municipal rate. Typically the cost has been under $6 per night, but starting in January officials increased the visitor fee up to $17, depending on the hotel type.

Earlier this year Mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, announced on X plans to "close the Plaza de España and charge tourists to finance its conservation and guarantee its safety."

Sanz shared a video along with his post that showed missing tiles, damaged facades and street vendors occupying alcoves and stairs.

The southern Spanish city will now charge visitors to enter the historic area that has been at risk of irreversible damage to its famed tile floors, bridges and towers.

Earlier this year, the coastal city known for it's canals and bridges, blown glass and close proximity to the heart of Italy's Prosecco region, implemented a fee of 5 euro per day tripper through a new reservation system.

With about 40,000 visitors on average per day, which is nearly double the city's population, local authorities hope this move will help protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site from getting ruined by too many tourists.

Starting Thursday, travelers can download an app to pay and attain a QR code which will be checked by inspectors to enter the city as a visitor. If someone traveling for the day in Venice is caught without the code, they may face a fine of up to 300 euros.

"It is not a revolution, but the first step of a path that regulates the access of daily visitors. An experiment that aims to improve the liveability of the city, who lives there and who works there. We will carry it forward with great humility and with the awareness that there may be problems," the Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro stated on X in the announcement.

"The margins of error are wide, but we are ready, with humility and courage, to make all the changes that will serve to improve the procedure. Venice is the first city in the world to implement this path, which can be an example for other fragile and delicate cities that must be safeguarded," he continued.

Simone Venturini, Venice City Councilor for Tourism, told ABC News that the smart control center is within the most important part of the city -- Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Square.

"Authorities will use the new QR codes, plus cell phone data and the roughly 700 cameras around Venice to track and potentially regulate visitors," Venturini explained. "We are switching to action after 60 years of only debate... our ultimate goal is to find a new balance between the needs of the residents and the needs of tourists."

Venturini told ABC News they had "a lot of discussion" with leaders in other cities who have worked to combat overtourism, including Amsterdam, Barcelona and Kyoto. "We are talking together just to find the solution."

An earlier version of this story was originally published on April 18, 2024.

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Brief Travel Is Taxing in More Ways Than One

For 10 years leading up to 2020, the U.S. tourism industry was thriving. Tourism taxes accounted for nearly 6% of state and local tax collections. Then came the pandemic and everyone stayed home. A strong sector of the economy suddenly collapsed. One-third of travel jobs were lost , travel spending declined by nearly $500 billion and states lost billions of dollars in tax revenue.

In 2019, tourism generated $180 billion in tax revenues for federal, state and local governments. During the pandemic’s early days, tourism-reliant states were hit hard by declining revenues. Hawaii initially projected $300 million in lost tax collections and 6,000 jobs. New York City lost $1.2 billion in tax revenue. Nevada faced a bleak economic outlook when visitor spending declined by 52.2% from the previous year. While traditional tourist destinations faced massive losses, rural areas across America saw an uptick in travelers.

Rural areas near state and national parks saw visitor numbers grow as more people sought outdoor recreation as a lower COVID-19 risk alternative. Airbnb reported a rise in homes booked in rural areas in 2021. In Jackson Hole, Wyo. , lodging tax revenue hit record highs. Tourism tax revenue in Arkansas totaled $20.54 million in 2021, 16.7% higher than 2019 collections. While increased tourism is beneficial for state revenue, it also comes with costs. Areas that experienced a boom in visitors faced a new problem- additional stress on state and local resources.

The sudden shift to domestic rural travel during the pandemic highlights the need for policymakers to think about the burdens tourists place on state and local resources. Gini Pingenot , director of external affairs at Colorado Counties Inc., reported a lack of sufficient infrastructure to host the number of visitors that came to Colorado. In addition, individuals who live in popular tourist areas are being priced out of the communities in which they work. Both these issues reverberate in other rural areas where tourism boomed because of COVID-19. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Montana found 38% of residents disagreed that increased tourism improved the quality of life for Montana residents (the most recorded since 1992). Negative sentiment among locals in highly traveled areas has some state lawmakers modifying tourism tax legislation.

Tourism tax revenues are typically earmarked. For example, some states earmark lodging tax revenue to promote tourism. To tackle issues brought on by shifting travel preferences to small rural communities, legislators have changed the ways tourism tax revenue can be allocated. In Washington County Utah—home to Zion National Park—legislators passed a bill to increase spending flexibility for lodging tax revenue. It is no longer required to be spent on tourism promotion. Colorado legislators passed a bill to allow county lodging taxes to support affordable housing in an effort to combat rising costs in areas with heavy tourism.

The national average gas price reached a record high of $4.60 per gallon in May 2022. This year, more than 50% of Americans plan to take a domestic vacation, according to AAA. Only 42% of those travelers said gas prices would not affect their plans.

Business Tourism

Whereas domestic leisure travel is on the rise, domestic business travel continues to struggle and currently accounts for only 14% of travel spending, down from 26% in 2019. Between 2020 and 2021, $391 billion in travel spending was lost as employers halted business travel. The revenue that came from business accommodations, airfare, car rentals and event spaces plummeted at the start of the pandemic. Business travel has since resumed, but it has changed. Businesses may be forced to reduce the size or change the location of events to comply with COVID restrictions. Companies also continue to rely on video conferences and meetings.

There are conflicting opinions on the recovery of business travel. Deloitte reported likely improvement of corporate travel demand in the first half of 2022 but warned that travel was unlikely to reach near 2019 levels. The U.S Travel Association found that eight in 10 travel managers reported changes to business travel policies, including fewer business trips. The association forecasts business travel will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2024. Yet, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines report promising business travel numbers. Hotel companies also show more optimism in business travel recovery. Hilton expects business travel to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022.

Considerations for Legislators

Policymakers seeking to capitalize economically on tourism can consider several approaches:

• Examine travel trends. Being prepared puts states in a better position to mitigate the negative impacts of increased tourism. Every state has a tourism office that collects travel data. Collaboration with that office will help policymakers develop effective tourism policies.
• Ensure coordination among the agencies with a role in tourism. State tourism offices, history preservation agencies, state park offices and transportation departments are some of the agencies where collaboration benefits state tourism.
• Assess the taxes imposed on tourist activities. The World Travel and Tourism Council warns that high tourism taxes can have a negative impact on revenue collected by deterring travelers from visiting a destination or leading to shorter stays to cut costs. Likewise, organizations and businesses hosting large events and conventions may be discouraged from visiting destinations with high tax rates. Local businesses dependent on tourist spending are also affected by high tax rates. Consumers may choose to spend less locally to offset the costs of accommodations, car rentals and airfare. On the other hand, tourism taxes can allow local governments to pay for services in the community.

Below are tables of state tax rates on lodging and car rentals.

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How Much Is Mexico’s Tourism Tax

Published: December 11, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Eliza Waterman

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Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant and culturally rich country of Mexico, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and warm hospitality. As you plan your trip to explore the wonders of Mexico, it’s essential to understand the financial aspects of your travel, including the tourism tax.

Mexico’s tourism tax, officially known as the Tourism Tax for Sustainable Financing (TTSF), is a fee imposed on visitors to support the development and maintenance of tourism infrastructure in the country. This tax plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring that the country can continue to offer world-class experiences to travelers.

Understanding how Mexico’s tourism tax works and knowing its implications can help you budget for your trip and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. In this article, we will delve into the details of Mexico’s tourism tax, including how it is calculated, exemptions and exceptions, collection and payment methods, and its impact on travelers.

So, let’s embark on a journey of discovery and learn more about Mexico’s tourism tax and how it can affect your travel plans. Strap on your virtual sombrero, and let’s get started!

Understanding Mexico’s Tourism Tax

To fully grasp the concept of Mexico’s tourism tax, it is essential to understand its purpose and how it contributes to the country’s tourism industry. The tourism tax serves as a means for the Mexican government to generate revenue specifically dedicated to the development and improvement of tourism-related infrastructure and services.

The funds collected from the tourism tax are primarily allocated to initiatives such as upgrading transportation systems, preserving natural attractions, enhancing cultural heritage sites, improving tourist facilities, and implementing sustainability measures. These investments aim to create a positive and sustainable environment for both domestic and international visitors, ensuring the continued growth and success of Mexico’s tourism industry.

The tourism tax applies to a wide range of tourism-related activities, including hotel stays, vacation rentals, cruises, and other forms of accommodations. Additionally, it may also be levied on entry fees to specific tourist destinations, national parks, or archaeological sites, depending on the location and local regulations.

It is important to note that the amount of the tourism tax can vary depending on several factors, including the location, class, and type of accommodation or service utilized. Generally, the tax is calculated based on a percentage of the total cost of the service or activity.

Mexico’s tourism tax is not only aimed at financial support but also serves as a tool to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices. By imposing the tax on visitors, the government encourages travelers to be more mindful of their environmental impact, cultural preservation, and contribute to the local communities they visit.

As a responsible traveler, understanding the purpose and significance of Mexico’s tourism tax can help you appreciate the positive changes it brings to the destinations you explore. So, let’s proceed to the next section, where we will delve into the calculation methods of Mexico’s tourism tax.

How Is Mexico’s Tourism Tax Calculated

The calculation of Mexico’s tourism tax can vary depending on the type of tourism activity or service you are engaging in. Let’s explore some common scenarios and how the tax is typically calculated:

• Hotels and Accommodations: The most common form of the tourism tax is applied to hotel stays. In general, the tax is a percentage of the total room rate (excluding additional charges such as food and beverages). This percentage can range from 2% to 3% of the room rate. Some high-end or luxury accommodations might have a higher tax rate.
• Vacation Rentals: If you are opting for a vacation rental through a platform like Airbnb or VRBO, the tourism tax may also be applicable. The calculation method can vary depending on the location and local regulations. In some cases, the tax is determined as a fixed amount per night, while in others, it may be a percentage of the rental cost, similar to hotels.
• Entrance Fees to Tourist Attractions: Certain tourist attractions, such as national parks or archaeological sites, may have an additional entrance fee that includes the tourism tax. The calculation method for these fees is typically a fixed amount per person or a percentage of the ticket price.
• Cruise Ships: If you are embarking on a cruise that includes Mexican ports of call, the tourism tax is often included in the total cost of the cruise ticket. The cruise lines handle the calculation and collection of the tax on behalf of the passengers.

It’s important to note that the tax rates and calculation methods can vary between different regions or municipalities within Mexico. Therefore, it is advisable to check the local regulations and consult with your accommodation provider, tour operator, or travel agent to confirm the specific details regarding the tourism tax for your chosen destination.

As a traveler, it is crucial to factor in the tourism tax when planning your budget for a trip to Mexico. Keep in mind that the tax is typically not included in the initial advertised price, so be prepared to account for this additional cost when making your reservations.

Now that we understand how Mexico’s tourism tax is calculated, let’s explore the exemptions and exceptions to this tax in the next section.

Exemptions and Exceptions to Mexico’s Tourism Tax

While Mexico’s tourism tax is generally applicable to most tourists and tourism-related activities, there are certain exemptions and exceptions worth noting. Let’s explore some common scenarios where the tourism tax may not apply:

• Mexican Nationals and Residents: Mexican citizens and residents are typically exempt from paying the tourism tax when staying at accommodations within their own country. This exemption aims to promote domestic tourism and encourage locals to explore different regions of Mexico.
• Children and Senior Citizens: Depending on the region and local regulations, children under a certain age (often 12 years old or younger) and senior citizens (typically 65 years old or older) may be exempt from paying the full tourism tax or be eligible for a discounted rate.
• Specialized Tourist Zones: Some regions in Mexico have designated Specialized Tourist Zones, where specific tax regulations may apply. These zones usually offer incentives and tax exemptions to attract tourism investments and encourage development in specific areas.
• Business Travelers: In certain cases, business travelers who can provide valid documentation proving their visit is solely for work purposes may be exempt from the tourism tax. Requirements and eligibility criteria for this exemption vary, so it is advisable to consult with your employer or travel agent for specific details.
• Short Stays: In some municipalities, there may be exemptions or lower tax rates for shorter stays, typically defined as less than 24 hours. These exemptions aim to encourage day trips and spur tourism activities within the local area.

It’s important to note that while these exemptions and exceptions are relatively common, they can vary depending on the region and local regulations. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific details and requirements for your chosen destination.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the exemptions and exceptions mentioned here primarily pertain to the tourism tax. Other applicable taxes, such as value-added tax (VAT) or local sales taxes, may still apply to certain goods and services during your trip.

Now that we have explored the exemptions and exceptions to Mexico’s tourism tax, let’s move on to the next section, where we will discuss the collection and payment methods for this tax.

Collecting and Payment of Mexico’s Tourism Tax

When it comes to collecting and paying Mexico’s tourism tax, the responsibility typically falls on the businesses or service providers offering tourism-related activities and accommodations. Here are some key points to understand about the collection and payment process:

• Hotels and Accommodations: Hotels and other types of accommodations are required to collect the tourism tax from guests at the time of check-in or check-out. The tax is usually included in the final bill or invoice provided to guests. The collected tax is then remitted to the appropriate government authorities.
• Vacation Rentals: If you have booked a vacation rental through a platform like Airbnb or VRBO, the taxation process may work differently. In some cases, the platform may collect the tourism tax on behalf of the property owners and remit it to the authorities. Alternatively, the responsibility may be directly on the property owner to collect and remit the tax.
• Entrance Fees to Tourist Attractions: For tourist attractions that charge an entrance fee inclusive of the tourism tax, the responsibility lies with the attraction operators to collect and remit the tax to the authorities. Visitors usually pay the inclusive fee at the entrance gate or ticket counter.
• Cruise Ships: Cruise ship operators handle the collection and payment of the tourism tax for passengers. The tax is typically included in the cruise ticket price, and the cruise line takes care of the necessary remittances to the government.

It’s important to note that as a traveler, you are not required to directly pay the tourism tax to the authorities. Instead, it is the responsibility of the businesses and service providers to ensure that the tax is collected and remitted correctly.

When making reservations or booking services, it’s always a good practice to inquire about the inclusion of the tourism tax in the total cost and confirm that the business or service provider you choose follows proper taxation procedures.

By understanding the collection and payment process of Mexico’s tourism tax, you can ensure that you are contributing to the sustainable financing of tourism infrastructure and services in the country.

Now that we have explored the collection and payment methods, let’s move on to the next section, where we will discuss the impact of Mexico’s tourism tax on travelers.

Impact of Mexico’s Tourism Tax on Travelers

Mexico’s tourism tax has both direct and indirect impacts on travelers visiting the country. Let’s explore how this tax can affect your travel experience:

• Funding Tourism Infrastructure: One of the primary benefits of the tourism tax is that it contributes to the development and maintenance of tourism infrastructure and services in Mexico. By paying the tax, travelers play a direct role in supporting the enhancement of transportation systems, preservation of natural attractions, and improvement of tourist facilities.
• Promoting Sustainable Tourism: The tourism tax is not only a source of revenue but also a vehicle to encourage responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The tax serves as a gentle reminder for travelers to be conscious of their environmental impact and cultural preservation. By paying the tax, visitors become a part of the effort to ensure that Mexico’s attractions are protected and enjoyed for generations to come.
• Enhancing Traveler Experience: The funds generated from the tourism tax contribute to initiatives that aim to enhance the overall traveler experience. With improved infrastructure, services, and facilities, visitors can benefit from smoother transportation, better accommodations, and enhanced cultural and natural attractions, resulting in a more enjoyable and rewarding trip.
• Supporting Local Communities: The tourism tax indirectly supports local communities in Mexico by fueling economic growth and job creation. As the tourism industry thrives, it generates employment opportunities and income for local residents, thus contributing to the well-being and sustainable development of communities near popular tourist destinations.
• Transparency and Accountability: The implementation of the tourism tax demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of funds dedicated to tourism-related initiatives. Travelers can have confidence that their financial contributions are being used for the intended purposes outlined by the government.

While the tourism tax adds an additional cost to travelers, it offers tangible benefits that ultimately enhance the overall travel experience in Mexico. It is important to acknowledge the positive impact that the tax has on the country’s tourism industry and the communities that depend on it.

Now, let’s move on to the final section, where we will explore potential future changes to Mexico’s tourism tax.

Potential Future Changes to Mexico’s Tourism Tax

As with any tax system, Mexico’s tourism tax is subject to potential future changes and adjustments. These changes may be driven by various factors such as economic conditions, tourism trends, and government policies. While we cannot predict the exact changes that may occur, here are some potential areas where the tourism tax might see modifications:

• Tax Rates: The government may consider adjusting the tax rates to align with the evolving needs of the tourism industry. This could involve increasing or decreasing the percentage charged on accommodations, attractions, or other tourism-related activities.
• Expansion and Inclusion: There may be discussions about expanding the scope of the tourism tax to include additional services or activities that are currently exempt. This could potentially broaden the base of funding for tourism-related initiatives.
• Sustainability Initiatives: With the growing global emphasis on sustainability, Mexico’s tourism tax may be used to fund more robust and targeted sustainability initiatives. This could involve funding projects focused on reducing carbon emissions, promoting eco-friendly practices, or supporting local communities in adopting sustainable tourism practices.
• Regional Variations: Different regions of Mexico may have unique requirements and considerations for tourism development. Therefore, future changes to the tourism tax may include region-specific adjustments to accommodate these variations and address specific needs.
• Technology Integration: As technology continues to evolve, there may be efforts to streamline the collection and administration of the tourism tax through digital platforms or automated systems. This could enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in the tax collection process.

It’s important to stay updated on any potential changes to Mexico’s tourism tax through official government sources, travel advisories, or consulting with travel agents and tour operators who are knowledgeable about the current regulations.

Regardless of any future changes, the aim of Mexico’s tourism tax will likely remain consistent: to support the sustainable development and improvement of the tourism infrastructure and services, ultimately enhancing the visitor experience and contributing to the well-being of local communities.

As we conclude our article, we hope that you now have a comprehensive understanding of Mexico’s tourism tax, including how it is calculated, exemptions and exceptions, collection and payment methods, its impact on travelers, and the potential future changes that may lie ahead. Armed with this knowledge, you can plan your trip to Mexico confidently, knowing that your visit contributes to the development and preservation of this beautiful country’s tourism industry.

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our journey exploring Mexico’s tourism tax. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of what the tax is, how it is calculated, exemptions and exceptions, collection and payment methods, its impact on travelers, and potential future changes.

Mexico’s tourism tax serves as a vital source of sustainable financing for the development and maintenance of tourism infrastructure and services. By paying the tax, travelers directly contribute to the growth and enhancement of Mexico’s tourism industry, while also promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

While the tax adds an extra expense to your travel budget, it’s important to recognize the positive impacts it has on the overall travel experience. By supporting the preservation of natural attractions, improving tourist facilities, and contributing to the local communities, you become a part of the sustainable growth and development of Mexico’s tourism sector.

Before your trip, be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific tax regulations and requirements of your chosen destination in Mexico, as they may vary from one location to another. This will help you budget accordingly and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

As with any tax system, changes may occur in the future. It’s always a good idea to stay informed about any potential amendments or updates to Mexico’s tourism tax, either through official government sources or by seeking information from reliable travel advisors.

Now armed with knowledge about Mexico’s tourism tax, go forth and explore the wonders this beautiful country has to offer. Immerse yourself in its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, knowing that your visit supports the sustainable growth and preservation of Mexico’s tourism industry.

¡Viva México!

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Why You’ll Pay More and Behave Better When You Travel This Summer

From Barcelona to Bali, higher fees and new rules are targeting overtourism and unruly behavior. Some locals are worried the changes will keep tourists away.

By Paige McClanahan

A new tourist fee in Bali. Higher hotel taxes in Amsterdam and Paris. Stricter rules on public drinking in Milan and Majorca. Ahead of the summer travel season, leaders in many tourist spots have adopted measures to tame the tourist crowds — or at least earn more revenue from them.

All of this may pose headaches for travelers, although in most cases, the new fees or tax increases represent only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a trip. The goal is to ensure that tourism functions smoothly for visitors and locals alike, said Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University.

“All tourism is dependent on beautiful natural and cultural resources. You have to protect those resources in order to be a viable tourism destination — and if you don’t, they degrade,” Ms. Epler Wood said.

In some places, proposals for new fees or visitor rules have drawn opposition from residents, who fear they might scare away the tourists who bolster the local economy. But destinations need to find ways to counteract what Ms. Epler Wood calls “ the invisible burden ” of tourism, which includes strains on a community’s infrastructure, utilities and housing stock, as well as tourists’ carbon footprint and any challenges they might impose on residents’ daily lives.

“You put so much pressure on the place that the people who live there become unhappy, and then they don’t present a very good face to tourists,” Ms. Epler Wood said. “The longer you wait, the higher the cost to fix it.”

Here is a look at new measures that travelers can expect this summer, and where others might be coming in the future.

New visitor fees

Since February, visitors to the Indonesian island of Bali have been asked to pay a levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs, or about $9.40 per visit. Revenue will be used to support the preservation of cultural and natural assets on the island, where tourism has brought major challenges related to litter, water supply and overcrowding. Visitors are encouraged to pay the new fee online before departure, although it’s also possible to pay on arrival at the airport.

Beginning Aug. 1, most foreign travelers to the Galápagos Islands — which had a record-breaking 330,000 visitors last year — must pay a $200 entry fee, double the current rate. The money raised will be used to support conservation, improve infrastructure and fund community programs.

The change is the first increase to the entry fee since it was introduced in 1998, said Tom O’Hara, communications manager for the Galápagos Conservation Trust . Mr. O’Hara noted that the increase comes a year after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged the government of Ecuador to work toward a “zero-growth model” for tourism in the Galápagos.

“It’s quite a complicated topic,” Mr. O’Hara said, noting that the fee increase has been viewed “as part of the solution to overtourism.” On the other hand, he added, “everyone is trying to reassure the local tourist industry that this isn’t going to kill tourism on the islands.

In April, Venice began imposing a fee — 5 euros, about $5.40 — on day-trippers visiting on peak days, with the goal of striking “a new balance between the tourists and residents.”

But the new Venice Access Fee has drawn criticism from residents. “This project is a disaster for us. We are a city, not a park,” said Matteo Secchi, the president of Venessia.com, an association of Venice residents. Mr. Secchi said that a communications campaign would have been more effective.

The possibility of a new tourist fee has also drawn local opposition in Hawaii, where Gov. Josh Green has proposed a “climate impact fee” for visitors to the state. The measure failed during a recent meeting of the State Legislature, but Governor Green has persisted in calling for visitors to help fund the state’s preparation for future climate shocks.

“We have to get this tiger by the tail,” he told journalists in May, adding that $25 per visitor could raise $250 million a year, which the state could use to guard against climate disasters, manage erosion, strengthen infrastructure and protect parks.

Hotel fees and other taxes get a bump

Hotel taxes, also known as occupancy or accommodation taxes, are widespread in the United States and Europe, where they were on the rise for a decade leading up to the pandemic. With tourism’s rebound to prepandemic levels, several destinations have increased or adjusted the tax to capture more revenue.

Like Hawaii, Greece — which also suffered severe wildfires last summer — is looking to steel itself against climate disasters, and the government wants tourists to help foot the bill. Greece is calling the charge a climate crisis resilience fee , and it will be collected by accommodation providers. The tax will be higher from March to October, when it will top out at €10 per night at five-star hotels. The rate drops from November to February, and for hotels with fewer stars. The fee replaces the previous hotel tax, which ranged from €0.50 to €4 per night.

In Amsterdam, the hotel tax, which was already one of the highest in Europe, rose to 12.5 percent from 7 percent on Jan. 1. City lawmakers have also raised the tax on cruise passengers to €14 from €11 per person per night.

The hotel tax in Barcelona also rose this year, increasing to €3.25 per night. The measure was the final step-up in a gradual increase that began before the pandemic. A spokesman for Barcelona City Hall said that further tax increases would be aimed at tourist rental apartments and cruises that make short stopovers, which contribute less to the city’s income. The spokesman also noted that revenue generated by the tourist tax is being used, among other things, to fund the installation of solar panels and air-conditioning in Barcelona’s public schools.

Ahead of this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, lawmakers in the Île-de-France region have imposed a new tax, on top of the normal hotel levy. With the new tax, which will fund public transportation in the region, a guest in a five-star hotel now owes a total of €10.73 in tax per night stayed, while a stay in a two-star hotel incurs a tax of €3.25 per night.

Though the measure was adopted by the regional government, it was not supported by the leadership in Paris itself. A spokeswoman for Paris City Hall called the move “a democratic power grab” that “in no way benefits the city of Paris.” She noted that even with the funds generated by the new tax, the region still raised the price of tickets for public transportation in the city during the Olympics — a measure that has disgruntled many Paris residents.

Introducing new rules

In other tourist spots, the focus is on curbing behavior that pollutes the local environment or harms residents’ quality of life.

In Japan, authorities at Mount Fuji will cap visitors at 4,000 per day. They have also imposed a new fee of 2,000 yen (about $13) for access to the iconic summit. Elsewhere in the country, a community council in the Gion neighborhood of Kyoto has closed some small roads to tourists, after complaints that the area, home to the city’s geisha district, was suffering from crowds.

“We will ask tourists to refrain from entering narrow private streets in or after April,” Isokazu Ota, a leading member of the community council, told Agence-France Presse in March. “We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate.”

A spokeswoman for the city’s tourism board described the road closures as “a local initiative,” adding that “neither Kyoto City nor the Kyoto City Tourism Association are aware of any details beyond what is reported in the media.”

Rowdy visitor behavior has been the target of new rules in Milan. In some areas, city leaders have banned outdoor seating after 12:30 a.m. during the week and 1:30 a.m. on the weekend in response to resident complaints. They have also limited the late-night sale of takeaway food and drinks.

And in certain areas on the Spanish Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza that are overrun with drunk tourists, the government has imposed a ban on late-night sales of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in the street. New restrictions have also been imposed on party boats in the same areas.

“Tourism has negative externalities that must be managed and minimized,” Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, told a local gathering this month , according to The Majorca Daily Bulletin. Local tourism, she said, “cannot continue to grow in volume.”

Paige McClanahan, a regular contributor to the Travel section, is author of “The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel,” forthcoming from Scribner on June 18.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .

Welcome to NZ – now pay up: the risks and rewards of raising the foreign tourist tax

Associate Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism, Auckland University of Technology

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Tracy Harkison does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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What should visiting Aotearoa New Zealand cost your average tourist? The government has suggested raising the price of admission – otherwise known as the international visitor conservation and tourism levy (IVL) – from NZ$35 to $100.

The aim is to relieve New Zealand taxpayers and ratepayers of some of the tourism costs they currently bear. But it also raises important questions about our overall tourism strategy, and about who we are encouraging to visit.

The previous Labour government introduced the IVL in 2019 to contribute to tourism infrastructure and conservation projects, as well as help create productive, sustainable and inclusive tourism growth.

At the same time, Tourism New Zealand has been actively campaigning to attract tourists who will visit more regions, travel in different seasons – and spend more.

So, do we want to focus on attracting high-spending tourists? Or do we want to attract large numbers of all tourist types and charge them more? The answers will have wide implications for whether New Zealand becomes a niche, premium destination, or another stop on the mass travel map.

Value versus values

Tourism is a vital part of New Zealand’s economy, earning about $17.5 billion a year (around $48 million a day) before COVID. The pandemic put the industry on life support, of course, but it did provide a unique opportunity to rethink and reshape tourism policy.

One strategy that emerged was to attract “high-value” tourists rather than revert to the pre-pandemic model of mass tourism. Some popular destinations had been overwhelmed at times. This put a strain on both environmental sustainability and the quality of visitor experiences.

This proposed shift was not unique to New Zealand. During the pandemic, many countries explored the potential of more sustainable and higher-value tourism once borders reopened.

But New Zealand’s distinctive overseas marketing approach has long played up being a welcoming country for all. This tension between being inclusive as well as more exclusive also challenges the Māori concept of manaakitanga – hospitality and generosity – that has been key to tourism’s messaging.

The strategy and insights team at the Department of Conservation suggested a way through the paradox: shift the narrative from high-value tourism to values-based tourism that “gives more than it takes”.

Meanwhile, Tourism New Zealand was collecting data to understand more about how to attract and satisfy high-net-worth individuals, already targeted through its premium partnerships programme .

At that time, the then tourism minister, Stuart Nash, was talking up a new vision “to target high-quality tourists”. He later clarified this, saying “quality” referred to people staying at least ten days and spending more money. He also wanted New Zealand to be one of the world’s top three “aspirational destinations”

Calls to reset tourism strategy

A Tourism New Zealand survey released just before last year’s election suggested Nash’s message may have resonated with some – 15% were in favour of attracting a “higher quality” of tourist, and 30% wanted to limit the number of tourists on public land.

With tourism now approaching pre-COVID numbers and international visitor spending up $1.3 billion on the previous year, the question of how many and what kind of tourists we want becomes more urgent.

To that end, the business association Tourism Industry Aotearoa has released Tourism 2050: A Blueprint For Impact . It aims to “reset industry strategy” and calls for a national tourism policy statement from the government.

Among the blueprint’s ten recommended main actions, environmental sustainability and embracing Māori culture and knowledge stand out. This includes embedding the Tiaki Promise , an industry initiative begun in 2018 to encourage tourists to care for New Zealand’s people, places and culture.

Finding the balance

With international visitor spending up 18% up on pre-COVID levels, Tourism New Zealand has been optimistic its strategy is paying off. But any increase in the international visitor levy will need to be communicated carefully.

While $100 may not seem a lot in the context of an overseas holiday’s overall cost, it is still another price barrier. And openly targeting high-value visitors suggests other visitors are low-value.

If the essence of manaakitanga is that people arrive as strangers but leave as whānau (family), the authenticity of New Zealand’s overall messaging needs to be clear.

It’s true that luxury travel is a growth market . But showcasing a commitment to the environment and Indigenous culture can appeal as much to a backpacker as to a high-net-worth individual.

Engaging local communities in tourism planning will be crucial to ensure the benefits are shared widely, and the whole country can show that manaakitanga. Fostering a more sustainable tourism industry means looking after everyone.

The success of the strategy lies in our ability to balance exclusivity with inclusivity: encourage all types of tourists, don’t raise the visitor levy by too much, and ensure New Zealand stays a welcoming and sustainable haven for all.

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Senior Research Fellow - Curtin Institute for Energy Transition (CIET)

Iceland Mulls Dynamic Pricing For Its Tourist Tax

Dynamic pricing is nothing new when it comes to airfare and hotel and Uber rates. But in recent years, pricing that fluctuates based on demand has also been sneaking into myriad other travel expenses.

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Not even the threat of a volcanic eruption could keep tourists away from the Blue Lagoon near the fishing town of Grindavik in May. (Photo: John Moore)

N othing has dented Iceland’s tourism machine in recent years. Not Covid. (While the pandemic brought a temporary pause, the volume of tourists bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.) Not even the threat of volcanic eruptions . (Even as the Icelandic Meteorological Office warned of an imminent eruption last November, inbound tourism hit pre-pandemic numbers.)

Last year, Iceland welcomed roughly 2.2 million visitors—nearly six times the country’s population—which helped its tourism industry generate 598 billion Icelandic króna in export revenues (roughly $4.2 billion U.S.), making up nearly one-third of the country’s total annual export revenues, according to the Bank of Iceland. Tourism made up 8.5% of Iceland’s GDP in 2023, according to Statistics Iceland , exceeding pre-pandemic years.

Still, despite the welcome economic boost, sometimes all those visitors can be too much of a good thing. Like a growing number of European destinations— from Seville to Amsterdam to Dubrovnik —Iceland charges a tourism tax to combat overtourism. Hotel guests pay a nominal fee of 600 króna ($4.31 U.S.) to raise funds for sustainability programs.

But now the Land of Fire and Ice appears to be considering a tweak. “We are trying still to mold the taxation system for the tourism sector for the future,” Iceland’s Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson told CNBC this week. “We would like to lean more towards a system where the user pays. As I see it, we would want to go more toward accession fees to the magnets, as we call them, around the country.”

Then Benediktsson floated the idea of surge pricing. “By doing that, we could control traffic,” he said. “So, at the height of demand, we could have a higher tax where we could control by amending the fees both within the day or between months, or during parts of the year.”

Surge pricing—charging more when demand is high—is a page ripped from Venice’s playbook. The Italian city already imposed a modest hotel tax of between 1 and 5 euros per person per night, depending on time of year as well as the location, type and classification of the accommodation. But this spring, Venice introduced an extra entrance fee from April 25 to July 14, where daytrippers pay 5 euros ($5.37) to visit the city.

While critics say these taxes exploit visitors, officials argue that the intent is to encourage visitors to visit at less busy times, thus spreading out the congestion for a more sustainable tourism model.

Dynamic pricing in travel is nothing new. It has been a part of airfare and hotel and Uber rates for as long as anyone can remember. But recently, pricing that fluctuates based on demand has also been sneaking into other travel experiences, such as dining and sightseeing and even enjoying a pint in a British pub .

Airlines are even inventing new ways to surge. Since March, JetBlue has applied dynamic pricing to its checked bag fees . Fly basic economy during peak travel periods and you’ll pay up to $5 more each way to check your first bag and $10 more to check a second piece of luggage.

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How an arrival tax could stem the overtourism tide

It would dissuade some from coming to japan while funding cultural preservation.

I spent most of my upbringing in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture — an area known for its beautiful mountains and nature, which I adored growing up. Every winter, I would go skiing with my mother on the weekends in locations all over the Japanese Alps, but especially in Hakuba.

It turns out that tourism has transformed the places of my childhood after all.

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