Barcelona is one of the Top 20 summer destinations of 2024, and for anyone planning to visit the bustling Mediterranean metropolis known for its art and architecture, or other tourist hotspots in peak season, there may be additional costs to consider.
Many countries in Europe, including Spain, Greece and Germany, have introduced fees for foreign visitors to help cover the local costs of doing business, particularly during the busy summer months . It is similar to that of a hotel occupancy tax that American travelers may be more familiar with for domestic stays.
Tourists visit Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain, August 14, 2023.
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What is a tourist tax?
“Tourism taxes are a rapidly growing trend,” Clint Henderson, editor-in-chief of The Points Guy, told “Good Morning America,” adding that the tax system is increasingly popular “because it's a easy way for cities to increase revenue without taxing local citizens.” “It is also more politically acceptable and has the added benefit of helping to combat excessive tourism.”
Henderson also pointed out that “the crowds in particularly popular places made famous by Instagram are simply out of control.”
A crowd of tourists visit Little Beach in Maui, HI, in an undated photo.
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“People in places like Venice (Italy) and Maui are also talking more about problem tourists,” he said. “We think this tourist tax trend will only continue to spread. Expect action in the future in places like Hawaii, which has been considering some sort of tax for a few years now.”
The rural town of La Salut, located just outside Barcelona and best known for its Park Güell mosaic-covered buildings, tapas bars and seafood restaurants, was recently removed from Google and Apple maps, according to Yahoo first. reportedafter being inundated with tourists using the main local bus route.
What you need to know about tourist taxes abroad this summer
Henderson said tourist taxes “are not yet widespread,” although he noted that “local taxes and fees are very common and often hidden in your hotel bill.”
His tip? “Google your destination for potential fees before you go.”
“Many hotels now list local taxes and fees in their online rates, but you can always call ahead to make sure you won't have to pay additional 'destination' or 'resort' fees.” , he suggested.
Summer vacation destinations with tourist tax
Some new arrivals are adding a tourist tax for the first time this summer, while other countries are increasing the percentages people will be expected to pay.
“The Galapagos National Park charges $200 to visit starting August 1. Bhutan charges $100 per day. Wales and Hawaii are among the places now considering tourist taxes,” Henderson said.
Gondoliers move slowly near the Sospiri Bridge near St. Mark's Square due to too much traffic in Venice, Italy, August 2, 2023.
Stefano Mazzola/Getty Images
Barcelona
The municipality of Barcelona recently increased its tourist tax from 2.75 euros to 3.25 euros on April 1st.
Paris
The tourist tax for the Olympic host country is based on a municipal rate. The cost is usually less than $6 per night, but starting in January authorities increased visiting fees up to $17, depending on hotel type.
Seville
Earlier this year, Seville Mayor José Luis Sanz announced on X his intention to “close the Plaza de España and make tourists pay to finance its conservation and guarantee its security.”
Sanz shared a video with his message showing missing tiles, damaged facades and street vendors occupying alcoves and staircases.
The southern Spanish city will now charge visitors to enter the historic district which risks irreversible damage to its famous tiles, bridges and towers.
A tourist boat sailing on a canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands, August 18, 2023.
Ksenia Kuleshova/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Venice
Earlier this year, coastal town known for its canals, glassblowing and proximity to the heart of Italy's Prosecco region. set up fees of 5 euros per day tripper thanks to a new reservation system.
Travelers can download an app to pay and get a QR code that will be presented to them to enter the city as a visitor.
“It is not a revolution, but the first step in a path that regulates access for daily visitors. An experience that aims to improve the quality of life of the city, of those who live there and of those who live there. We will pursue it with great humility and with the awareness that there may be problems,” said Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro on X in the press release.
“The margins for error are wide, but we are ready, with humility and courage, to make all the changes that will serve to improve the procedure. Venice is the first city in the world to implement this path, which can be an example for other fragile and delicate cities which must be safeguarded,” he continued.
