There are so many countries in the world that implement a tourist tax on tourists in order to curb over tourism. Because over tourism can lead to too many negative impacts on their countries due to which the own residents of the country suffer. Sometimes heavy influx of tourists leads to price hikes in the local places which affects the locals. There are countries like Venice and New Zealand which are struggling to keep the influx of tourists under control.
What is Tourist Tax?
When visiting a foreign country for the first time, tourists are required to pay a small fee known as the “tourist tax.” But this isn’t just any fee—it’s utilized wisely. The funds raised are typically used for neighborhood upkeep and improvement, which might involve anything from tidying up parks to ensuring that nearby tourist sites are kept in excellent shape.
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Destinations which have implemented a tourist tax in their region:
There are several countries which have implemented a tourist tax on travelers some have a less tourist tax and some have high. In this list you will get to know the taxes included in every countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Barcelona
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Switzerland
- USA
Austria:
Depending on the province, Austria levies a nightly hotel fee on travelers. You could add 3.02 percent per person to the hotel bill in Vienna or Salzburg.
Belgium:
When visiting Belgium, visitors who stay in lodging locations around the nation will be charged a tourist tax. This fee varies according to the hotel’s location, size, and quality, but it usually costs USD 8.23 per person each night.
Barcelona:
The municipal charge was raised by the city authorities to €2.75, effective April 1, 2023.
On April 1, 2024, there will be a second hike, bringing the total cost to €3.25.
When guests stay in authorized tourist accommodations, they are subject to the tax.
The revenue, according to the council, will go towards funding escalators, bus services, and road upgrades around the city.
Croatia:
Any foreign or domestic citizen residing in Croatia is required to pay the sojourn tax. Depending on length of stay, season, and location, adults should budget approximately €1 per night (86p approx.), while children (12–18 years old) should budget approximately €0.5 (43p).
Czech Republic:
Czechia exclusively charges visitors who are going to Prague. It costs less than €1 per person per night and does not apply to individuals under the age of 18.
France:
France offers some really impressive travel locations, whether you’re exploring the stunning views of the French Riviera or taking in the exquisite architecture of the Palace of Versailles.
But, prices can vary significantly in France based on your destination and the kind of lodging you reserve. The average price for a campsite with one to two stars is €0.65, or 56p per person per night. For palaces, you should budget €14.95, or about £12.80.
Germany:
In Germany, the tourist tax varies from city to city; however, in Berlin, for instance, it is typically 5% of the cost of lodging.
When making a reservation, it’s a good idea to confirm the tax you will pay.
Indonesia:
The only place in Indonesia to impose a tourist tax is Bali, and starting in February, the price will rise to $10 (£7.70, €8.90, or IDR 150,000). However, this will only apply to one admission, not a nightly cost. It seems to be used to preserve the “environment and culture” of the island.
Malaysia:
Malaysia is well-known for its vibrant capital city as well as its breathtaking coastline regions, which are well worth seeing.
The standard rate of Malaysian tourist tax is MYR10, or approximately £1.67 per person per night.
New Zealand:
Australia is exempt from paying New Zealand’s tax, which takes the form of an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of about €21, at the time of arrival.
Spain:
Every visitor over sixteen who stays in a vacation home on the Balearic Islands is subject to Spain’s Sustainable Tourism Tax. During peak season, tourists may be charged as much as €4 per night.
The tourist tax in Barcelona will raise to €3.25 on April 1, 2024, as part of a two-year plan announced by the city’s administration. The money, according to the council, would be used to upgrade services and infrastructure. The regional Catalan tax is in addition to this.
Switzerland:
Switzerland’s tax varies according to area, but it costs about €2.20 per person every night. Usually, it will be listed separately on your lodging statement.
USA:
The majority of the US levies a “occupancy tax” on visitors who book lodging in the form of motels, hotels, and inns. The highest is thought to be in Houston, where you will pay an additional 17% of your hotel cost.
Hawaii may implement a “green fee,” which was originally proposed to be $50 but has subsequently been reduced to $25, for all visitors over the age of fifteen. Legislators still need to pass it, and even then it wouldn’t go into effect until 2025.
Contributed by Ankit Raj Sharma