From the consistently sunny country of Portugal to an insatiably popular city in Italy, make sure you don’t get stung by rising tourist taxes this summer
In a huge blow to Brits, a slew of popular EU hotspots are hiking their tourist tax ahead of the summer season. The controversial levy, which is often used to help fund services negatively impacted by crowds of holidaymakers, has become common practice across Europe, and even in further afield destinations like Thailand.
While many tourists aren’t put off by the new fees, many argue it could deter holidaymakers away from destinations that are reliant on foreign spending to survive. For example, earlier this month, the Canary Islands High Court of Justice (TSJC) blocked local authorities in Mogán, Gran Canaria, from implementing its tourist tax of €0.15 (around 13p) per person, per day just 24 hours after it came into effect.
As previously reported, Judge Francisco José Gómez de Lorenzo-Cáceres argued the tax – which garnered backlash from the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism (FEHT) – should have been regulated by a formal law. FEHT says such a levy would impose ‘excessive administration work’ for the hospitality sector, which goes ‘against the principles of fairness and cost minimisation’. However, in many other countries – much higher tourist taxes have been given the green light. In fact, some travelers will be hit with a staggering €70 bill for staying in one particular city for a week.
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Venice, Italy
One of Italy’s most famous tourist destinations, Venice, recently announced it will be extending its day-tripper tax to 2025 and doubling the fee for certain visitors. The new pilot system, which aims to battle over-tourism, will commence on April 18, 2025, and run until July 27, 2025. Known as the ‘Venice Access Fee’, this costs €5 per person per day during the designated dates, or a staggering €10 for last minute visitors.
Santorini
Once a tranquil slice of paradise, there’s no denying the island of Santorini has become saturated with too many tourists. Footage of its cramped streets and coach-loads of tourists took social media by storm last year, resulting in many boycotting the hotspot. The island, along with other Greek destinations like Mykonos, have since implemented a €20 tourist tax for tourists arriving via cruise ships.
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Portugal
According to reports, six new municipalities in Portugal implemented tourist taxes this year, bringing the number of areas charging holidaymakers a daily fee from January 2025 to more than 40. The amount tourists must pay varies by area, ranging from €1 to €4 per night, and is in effect in areas such as São Miguel Island in the Azores, Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve.
Netherlands
Per Travel and Tour World, Amsterdam has increased the tourist tax on overnight hotel stays by a staggering 12.5 per cent. “Other Dutch cities have also imposed similar charges, so it’s important to check local rates when booking your trip,” the publication added.
Have increasing tourist taxes put you off from going abroad? Email liam.gilliver@reachplc.com for a chance to share your story
