10 holiday hot spots charging tourist tax including in Spain, Greece and Portugal

10 holiday hot spots charging tourist tax including in Spain, Greece and Portugal

Holidaymakers are being reminded that a number of popular destinations charge a tourist tax which should be kept in mind while budgeting for any trips.

Visitors to certain destinations within Spain and France have long had to pay a fee when they check into their hotel, with the money often going into the local economy or even things like conservation projects. However, with the ongoing debate around overtourism, and many countries assessing the impact holidaymakers have on the area, tourist tax is set to be introduced in some new destinations in 2025.

And staycations could be affected too, with one UK city already charging a fee, and Wales eyeing a tourist tax from 2027, reports the Liverpool Echo. Here is a list of some of the popular places where you can expect to pay a tourist tax or similar charge.

1. Paris

Paris introduced their tourist tax on January 1, 2024, and it’s based on the star rating of the accommodation you’re staying in. The French government’s website has a table explaining tourist taxes, which start from €0.65 (approx. 54p) per person, per night (PPPN) for people staying in one or two star campsites in the region, all the way up to €15.60 (approx. £13) PPPN for those staying at Paris’ ‘palace’ status hotels such as the Ritz.

2. Mogán, Gran Canaria

Mogán, one of the most popular destinations on Gran Canaria, is introducing a tourist tax of €0.15 (approx. 13p) per person per day for those who stay in tourist accommodation such as hotels or apartments. While one of the smaller tourist taxes, Jet2’s CEO criticised the change saying: “Rising taxes drive up the overall cost of holidays, reducing demand. And while Mogan’s tax is small, it sets a dangerous precedent.”

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3. Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s tax is based on the cost of your accommodation and is set at 12.5% of the overnight rate, excluding VAT. Cruise passengers also face a daily tax of €14.50 (approx. £12), although under 2s are excluded from the fee.

4. Thailand

Thailand is set to implement a tourist tax in mid-2025, although no firm date has been set. It would mean overseas visitors arriving by plane would be charged a flat fee of 300 baht (approx. £7), and those arriving by land and sea would pay 150 baht.

5. Greece

The tourist tax in Greece is based on whether you arrive during peak or off-peak season. Visitors arriving in Greece from November to February pay a daily tax of €2 (approx. £1.67) , but those who arrive from April to October are charged a €8 (approx. £7) daily fee. This can soon add up if you’re travelling with family or taking a longer break.

6. Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s new tourist tax, called The Visitor Levy, comes into play on July 24 2026, and will affect any bookings made after October 1 2025. It’ll affect anyone who is staying overnight in tourist accommodation, from hotels to short-stay apartments, and will be added to the booking cost. The tax will reportedly be a rate of 5% of the total price.

7. Balearic Islands

Those heading to the popular Spanish islands of Majorca or Ibiza can expect to pay a tourist tax when they check into their accommodation. The local government have details of the tax rates on their website, which depend on the season when you visit and the star rating of where you stay. Rates can be as low as €0.25 (approx. 21p) a day for those staying in hostels in low season, and up to €4 (approx. £3) a day if you stay in a 5-star hotel in peak months. Children under 16 are exempt.

8. Barcelona

Visitors to this Spanish city must pay two taxes; a regional tourist tax that’s based on your accommodation grade, and a city tax that’s a flat rate. The city tax is €3.25 (approx. £2.70) per day for the first seven days, then goes up to €4 (approx. £3.34) a day. The regional tax goes up to €3.50 a day for those staying in 5-star hotels. If you’re staying just outside Barcelona in the Catalonia region, you just pay the regional tax.

9. Portugal

Some areas of Portugal have tourist taxes, with many of the popular holiday destinations charging a fee. For example, in the capital of Lisbon, you’ll pay €2 (approx. £1.67) a day. Faro and the Azores are other areas that have a tourist tax, so be sure to check before you fly.

10. Venice

Visitors to Venice between April and July will need to pay a €5 (approx. £4) tourist charge, which was introduced in 2024. However, in 2025, new rules mean that if you book less than four days ahead, you’ll need to pay €10, so make sure you don’t leave it until the last minute.

View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/10-holiday-destinations-charge-tourist-30905118

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