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Planning a trip in 2025? Popular destinations are raising tourist taxes to manage crowds and fund infrastructure. From Greece's €20 island fee to Amsterdam’s 12.5% hotel tax, here’s what you need to budget for before booking your next vacation.
Summer vacation planning just got a little more complex. Across Europe and beyond, popular tourist hotspots are implementing or significantly increasing tourist taxes, impacting travel budgets and potentially altering travel decisions for 2025. This article provides essential information to help you navigate these changes and plan your trip accordingly.
Why the Sudden Surge in Tourist Taxes?
Destinations are increasingly turning to tourist taxes to manage the pressures of overtourism and fund essential infrastructure improvements. Many also cite environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation as key drivers. Understanding these reasons can help travelers appreciate the necessity of these fees.
Higher Tourist Taxes in 2025
If you’re planning a trip next year, here’s a country-by-country breakdown of the new charges you need to budget for.
1. Greece: Higher Fees for Popular Destinations
Greece has significantly raised its tourist tax, now charging €8.00 per night for visitors during the peak season (April to October). Off-season travelers will pay a reduced €2.00 per night. The additional revenue will go toward climate change adaptation and disaster prevention.
Santorini & Mykonos: The Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos, both popular for their stunning landscapes and luxury travel experiences, will impose an even steeper €20.00 per night tax. This aims to curb overtourism and protect local infrastructure.
2. Italy: Venice Imposes a Tourist Entry Fee
Venice, famous for its canals and historic charm, is rolling out an official €5.00 daily entry fee in 2025. This applies to visitors arriving between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM on select peak travel dates between April and July. The initiative aims to limit crowding and preserve the city’s fragile ecosystem.
3. United Kingdom: Scotland’s First-Ever Tourist Levy
Scotland will introduce its first tourist tax in July 2026, with Edinburgh leading the way. Visitors will pay a 5% levy on accommodation costs, covering hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs. While the charge applies to bookings made after October 1, 2025, it’s a sign that more UK cities may follow suit.
4. Portugal: Expanded Tourist Tax in Major Cities
Portugal, already known for charging a visitor tax, is enforcing it across 13 cities, including Lisbon and Porto. From April to October, travelers will need to pay €2.00 per night, contributing to urban development and tourism management.
5. Netherlands: Europe’s Highest Percentage-Based Tax
Amsterdam has increased its tourist tax to 12.5% of the accommodation cost, making it the highest percentage-based tax in Europe. Other Dutch cities are also implementing similar policies, so travelers should check the rates before booking accommodations.
6. France: Up to €11.38 Per Night for Luxury Stays
Tourist taxes in France vary by hotel category. In Paris, visitors staying at five-star hotels could pay as much as €11.38 per night, while those in four-star and three-star hotels will be charged €8.45 and €5.53, respectively. These fees help maintain cultural landmarks and improve tourism services.
7. Thailand: New Tourist Fee for Arrivals
Thailand is introducing a 300 THB (approximately £6.86) tax for visitors arriving by air. Expected to take effect by mid-2025, the tax is part of Thailand’s efforts to fund tourism infrastructure and environmental conservation.
How to Prepare for Rising Travel Costs
With these changes, tourists should plan ahead by:
• Check local tax rates before booking accommodations.
• Factoring extra costs into their travel budgets.
• Exploring off-season travel to save on fees where possible.
Plan Ahead and Budget Accordingly
These tax changes underscore the importance of thorough planning and budget consideration. Always verify the latest local tax rates before finalizing your travel arrangements. Being informed will help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure a smoother vacation experience.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/7-countries-raising-tourist-taxes-2025/
