The next time you book a hotel room or touch down in a new country, don’t be surprised if your bill includes an extra fee — one you didn’t see advertised upfront. It’s not a mistake. It’s a tourism tax.
In 2025, these taxes are increasing, expanding, and showing up in places that never had them before. From nightly hotel surcharges to entry fees at the airport, cities and countries are cashing in on travelers — not just to boost revenue, but to offset the impact of tourism itself.
Here’s where tourism taxes are rising, why they’re happening now, and what travelers need to know to stay prepared (and not overpay).
What Is a Tourism Tax?
A tourism tax is any government-imposed fee charged to visitors, often collected through:
- Hotel bills
- Entry visas or e-visas
- Airport arrivals or departures
- Daily city taxes
They’re sometimes called a “bed tax,” “occupancy fee,” or “sustainability levy,” depending on where you are.
While most are relatively small (a few dollars per night or visit), others are steep — especially when layered on top of each other. And more are coming.
Why Tourism Taxes Are Rising in 2025
- Overtourism backlash
Cities overwhelmed by crowds — Venice, Dubrovnik, Kyoto — are pushing back by charging visitors for the burden they place on infrastructure, environment, and local life. - Climate and sustainability goals
Some destinations are using taxes to fund green initiatives, waste management, or conservation projects. - Post-pandemic budget recovery
Governments hit hard by tourism shutdowns are recouping revenue by charging visitors directly. - Behavioral nudges
Taxes are being used to encourage off-peak travel, limit day-trippers, and incentivize longer, more responsible stays.
Where Tourism Taxes Are Rising or Newly Introduced
Here’s where to watch — and what it might cost you.
Venice, Italy
- What’s new: In 2024, Venice began charging a €5 day-tripper fee to non-residents entering the historic center during peak times.
- Who pays: Visitors not staying overnight in Venice
- Why it matters: It’s the first major European city to charge for day access — and a model others are watching closely.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- What’s changing: Amsterdam raised its tourist tax to 12.5% in 2024 — now one of the highest in Europe.
- Applies to: Hotels, vacation rentals, and even cruise passengers
- Purpose: Discourage party tourism and fund city maintenance.
Barcelona, Spain
- What’s new: The city increased its municipal tourist tax in 2024, adding more to the nightly rate depending on accommodation type.
- Current total: Up to €4.00 per night for high-end hotels
- Used for: Cleaning, policing, and managing tourism infrastructure
Bali, Indonesia
- What’s new: In 2024, Bali implemented a 150,000 IDR (~$10 USD) tourism fee, collected at entry or online.
- All visitors pay, regardless of accommodation
- Goes to: Environmental protection and cultural preservation
Thailand
- What’s pending: A proposed 300 baht (~$9 USD) entry tax for air travelers, delayed but still on the table for 2025.
- Why: Offset tourism’s strain on public health and infrastructure
New Zealand
- Current system: The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) charges NZD $35 (~$21 USD) on top of the e-visa for most non-residents.
- Applies to: Most tourists, not Australians
- Purpose: Help fund conservation and visitor infrastructure
Bhutan
- What’s unique: The Sustainable Development Fee is $100 per night (reduced from $200 in previous years).
- Required for all foreign visitors
- Covers: Guides, transportation, and supports local education and healthcare
USA — City-Level Charges
Tourism taxes are also rising across U.S. cities:
- New York City: Hotel tax now up to 14.75% + $3.50 per night
- Los Angeles: Transient Occupancy Tax hiked to 14%
- Honolulu (Oahu): Combined state + county tax = 17.75%
In many cities, you’ll see these fees only at checkout — not during the booking process.
How to Avoid Surprises
1. Always read the fine print
If you’re booking through third-party sites (like Expedia or Airbnb), taxes are often listed at the end. Add them into your total budget.
2. Look up city-specific tourism fees
Even small towns and second-tier cities are adding per-night charges. Don’t assume it’s just the big names.
3. Factor taxes into your destination choice
If you’re torn between two cities and one adds 15% in tourism taxes? That’s a deciding factor — especially for longer stays.
4. Consider the benefit
Some taxes directly support things you’ll appreciate — cleaner streets, free public transit, or protected natural sites. That changes the equation a bit.
Are Tourism Taxes Fair?
Depends who you ask.
Arguments in favor:
- Visitors should contribute to the infrastructure they use
- Helps curb overtourism
- Funds sustainability, conservation, and public services
Criticisms:
- Adds hidden costs to “budget” travel
- Disproportionately affects longer stays or low-cost travelers
- Used as a cash grab without transparency
The best systems are clearly communicated, equitably applied, and visibly beneficial to both visitors and locals.
Tourism taxes aren’t going away. If anything, they’re becoming the norm — and the smart traveler factors them in upfront.
Whether you see them as a civic duty or a travel buzzkill, one thing’s clear: the cost of showing up is rising. And knowing what to expect is the difference between a smooth trip and sticker shock.
So check before you go. Budget accordingly. And understand what your tourist dollars are really paying for.
Because in 2025, travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how much you give back when you get there.
