As overtourism continues to put pressure on popular destinations, countries worldwide are raising tourist taxes to control visitor numbers, support infrastructure, and promote sustainable travel. Spain, France, Thailand, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Japan are among those implementing higher levies, making increased travel fees the new norm. From higher accommodation taxes in Europe to new entry fees in Asia and the Pacific, governments argue these measures will help curb overtourism, protect local environments, and improve visitor experiences. However, for travelers, these rising costs mean budgeting more for vacations as the global tourism landscape shifts.

Travelers heading to some of the world’s most popular destinations will need to prepare for rising tourist taxes, as several countries implement higher fees in an effort to manage tourism. Spain, France, Thailand, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Japan are among the nations increasing visitor levies, making this a growing global trend.

Spain: Higher Taxes for Visitors to Ibiza, Mallorca, and Beyond

Spain’s Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca, are introducing a significant increase in their Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS). The tax is set to rise from €4 (£3.36) to €6 (£5) per person, per night in high season. The increase applies to different accommodation categories, with rates varying between March and December, while January and February remain exempt.

The lowest accommodation rate will also increase from €1 (84p) to €2.5 (£2.10) per night during peak months. For a two-week stay in Mallorca, Ibiza, or Menorca, this could mean an added cost of €84 (£70.43) per couple.

Cruise passengers docking in the Balearics will see a tripled fee, rising from €2 (£1.68) to €6 (£5) per night. Additionally, authorities are considering a new hire car fee, which would be based on emissions and duration of stay, ranging from €30 (£25) to €80 (£67).

Stricter regulations on holiday rentals are also being introduced, including a ban on new tourist accommodations in residential buildings. Booking platforms must now verify rental property registrations, and fines for unlicensed properties will increase to €500,000 (£420,000). These measures are part of an ongoing effort to combat overtourism, which sparked widespread protests across Spain last year.

France: Higher Tourist Taxes Based on Accommodation Type

France is introducing a new tiered tourist tax system in 2025 based on accommodation types:

• Palaces: €15.60 per person per night
• Five-star hotels: €11.38
• Four-star hotels: €8.45
• Campsites: €1.95
• Unclassified accommodations: Up to €15.60

This move is part of France’s broader strategy to generate revenue for tourism infrastructure and manage the impact of high visitor numbers.

Thailand: New Tourist Tax for Land and Sea Arrivals

From mid-2025, Thailand will introduce a new tourist tax:

• 300 baht for visitors arriving by land
• 150 baht for travelers arriving via sea

The tax aims to support tourism development and sustainability efforts in the country.

Italy: Venice Expands Its Tourist Tax Program

Venice is taking stricter measures to control mass tourism by expanding its tourist tax program.

• Visitors who book in advance will pay €5.
• Spontaneous arrivals will pay €10.
• Day visitor fees will double in 2025, further discouraging short-term tourism.

These steps follow years of concerns about overtourism damaging Venice’s fragile ecosystem.

Netherlands: Amsterdam Increases Tourist Taxes for Hotels and Cruises

Amsterdam has already increased its tourist tax to 12.5% of accommodation costs in 2024, one of the highest in Europe.

Starting in 2025, additional fees will apply to cruise passengers, with a price increase from €14 to €14.50 per person.

Greece: Seasonal Tourist Fees to Rise

Greece is implementing higher seasonal tourist fees:

• Low season: €2 per day
• High season: €8 per day

This measure is aimed at mitigating tourism pressure during peak months.

Portugal: Azores Introduces New Fees

The Azores will introduce a €2 per person per night fee starting January 2025. Other Portuguese regions, including Lisbon and Faro, already have similar taxes in place.

New Zealand: Major Increase in Visitor Levy

New Zealand has significantly increased its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, rising from NZ$35 to NZ$100, effective October 2024. This fee helps fund sustainable tourism projects and preserve the country’s natural environment.

Indonesia: Bali’s Entry Tax for Tourists

Bali introduced an entry tax of IDR 150,000 (approximately £7.50) for international visitors in February 2024. This fee is intended to support local tourism infrastructure and conservation efforts.

Japan: Considering a Significant Tourist Tax Increase

Japan is evaluating a proposal to raise its existing tourist tax from 1,000 yen to 5,000 yen per person. This dramatic increase is aimed at curbing overtourism, though experts remain divided on whether it will be effective.

As overtourism strains popular destinations, Spain, France, Thailand, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Japan are raising tourist taxes to control visitor numbers and promote sustainable travel. This growing trend is reshaping global tourism, requiring travelers to budget more for vacations.

The Global Trend of Rising Tourist Taxes

With an increasing number of destinations introducing or raising tourist taxes, this trend signals a shift in global tourism policies. Governments are focusing on sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and managing overcrowding in response to record-breaking visitor numbers.

Travelers planning to visit these destinations should factor in these additional costs and stay updated on new tourism regulations. As more countries adopt similar measures, rising tourist taxes are becoming the new norm in global travel.

The post Spain Joins France, Thailand, Italy, Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Japan in Raising Tourist Taxes, Setting a New Travel Trend appeared first on Travel And Tour World.