HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Italy may be forced to pay a new tourist tax under proposals being discussed.
The country is currently floating the idea of introducing a new levy for overnight visitors in a bid to combat overtourism.
The new proposal is in its draft stage and is currently being studied by the Italian Government, as reported by local newspaper La Repubblica.
Just like the current tax, the rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from €5 (£4.29) to €25 (£21.44) per night.
For example, holidaymakers who’ve booked to stay in a hotel room that costs less than €100 (£85.77) per night will be required to pay the minimum €5 (£4.29) charge.
Tourists staying in rooms that cost €100 (£85.77) and €400 (£343) could be charge €10 (£8.58) per night, while rooms costing between €400 (£343) and €750 (£643) could see holidaymakers charged €15 (£12.87) per room.
Holidaymakers staying in ultra-luxury hotels that cost more than €750 (£643) per night will have to pay the €25 (£21.44) fee.
For example, €350 (£300) could be added to the cost of a holiday for those holidaymakers staying at an ultra-luxury hotel in Italy for two weeks.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers staying in a budget hotel, costing €100 (£85.77) or less, could see one-week stays costing an extra €35 (£30).
It is thought that just like the current tourist charge, the proposed levy will not be included within the cost of booking a holiday, instead tourists must pay their accommodation providers in the local currency.
Unlike Italy‘s current tourist tax, the new proposed charge could be extended to cover all hotels in Italy.
This means towns and villages that aren’t provincial capitals, tourist cities or cities of art could also charge holidaymakers a tourist tax.
The money generated by the scheme will go towards combating the impact of overtourism and rubbish collection.
The proposed charge has already been met with fierce opposition from trade associations like Federalberghi and Confindustria Alberghi
Italy isn’t the only European country that has recently discussed changes to overnight charges for holidaymakers.
Earlier this year, Greece introduced a new levy for overnight visitors in a bid to combat the damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
Holidaymakers traveling to Greece during the high season (from March to October) are required to pay an additional tax on overnight stays.
Just like the previous tax, the rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night.
The new tax will be added to the country’s existing accommodation tax, with charges rising as a result.
All holidaymakers heading to Tunisia will be forced to pay a new tourist tax under plans outlined by the country’s government.
These popular holiday spots either a tourist tax in place, or are introducing one soon.
Greece
Holidaymakers heading to Greece in the near future could be hit with a tourist tax, with plans for the levy outlined by the government earlier this year.
Holidaymakers traveling to the popular holiday destination during the high season (from March to October) will face an additional tax on overnight stays.
Just like the previous tax, the rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night.
The new tax will be added to the country’s existing accommodation tax, with charges rising as a result.
Tenerife
Visitors to the Canary Island will be hit with a new tourist tax after locals demanded a freeze on holidaymakers in mass anti-tourism protests.
The new tax system will come in effect from January 1, 2025, as residents of Tenerife demand a cut on holidaymakers.
The amount visitors will have to pay has not been confirmed yet.
Tunisia
Holidaymakers heading to Tunisia will be forced to pay a new tourist tax under plans outlined by the country’s government.
From November 1, 2024, package holidaymakers staying at properties with a two-star rating or higher will need to pay an additional charge for their overnight stay.
The rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from 4 Tunisian Dinars (£1) to 12 Tunisian Dinars (£4) per night.
For example, holidaymakers who’ve booked to stay at a two-star hotel will need to pay 4 Tunisian Dinars (£1) per night.
Meanwhile, those staying at three-star hotels will be asked to pay 8 Tunisian Dinars (£2) per night, while four and five-star hotel stays will cost an additional 12 Tunisian Dinars (£3).
Meanwhile, this popular tourist destination is also planning to increase its daily tourist charge.
And this UK seaside town became the first to tax tourists this year.
