Tourist taxes: Countries you will have to pay to enter in 2023 or 2024

Overtourism, a consequence of unchecked travel, poses multifaceted challenges for destinations worldwide. Residents grapple with soaring property costs as landlords prioritise holiday lets, while authorities face the daunting task of managing increased waste and grappling with environmental pollution. In response, many destinations are turning to tourist taxes as a pragmatic solution. Although not a novel concept, these fees, imposed atop standard expenses, are gaining traction globally.

In 2022, Barcelona authorities announced a two-phase increase in its tourist tax, with the municipal fee rising from €2.75 to €3.25 by April 2024. The funds generated from this tax will be allocated to crucial city infrastructure projects, including road improvements, enhanced bus services, and escalator installations. While the implementation faces challenges and resistance from airline entities, the proposed fees are intended not only to manage tourist welfare concerns but also to finance the development of key attractions, exemplified by Thailand’s aspiration to enhance sites like the Grand Palace in Bangkok through such levies. The tourist tax in Thailand does not stop tourists from enjoying everything hotspots such as Phuket have to offer, with Phuket restaurants the likes of Age Restaurant Phuket seeing consistent incomings throughout the year.