Tourist Tax: Why And Where It Is Paid

The Venice City Council approved in early 2019 to charge a tourist tax to all visitors who do not spend the night in the city (the rate for those who do spend the night in the city has already existed for a long time). This type of decision has as many detractors as followers. We are going to know a little better what they consist of.

The Italian city is one of those that are in danger of disappearing, swallowed up by tourists. Reasons for this are, for example, the constant rise in the sea or the simple fact that each year the city receives more than 30 million people, which makes efficient management of resources unfeasible.

But Venice is not the only place where they can charge us some kind of tourist tax. Today we review the reasons that lead municipalities to make these decisions. We will also know some of the destinations where we will have to pay this fee.

Why a tourist tax?

The answer is very simple. We just have to think about the number of visitors in certain cities, such as Paris, Lisbon or Barcelona. Its resources, like those everywhere, are limited. Therefore, if large waves of tourists arrive, water, garbage and other services cannot be offered with guarantees.

Another objective of this collection is to maintain the heritage of the city as such. In this way, if monuments are properly preserved, tourism will be encouraged. But always one of a responsible and respectful type with the environment and with the residents of the cities.

What types of tourist tax are there?

Mainly, there are two types of tourist taxes. Whether they charge one or the other (or even both) depends on the country or city you are visiting.

The first type is the one they charge for plane transfers. However, the most widespread tourist tax is the one charged for the nights spent in that city. The city council of the municipality is the one that decides the amount that must be paid, as well as the maximum number of nights that it would be necessary to do so.

How much is that rate?

The price of this tourist tax depends on different factors. As we have already said, it is a decision of each city, so it depends, first of all, on that aspect.

It also depends on the type of accommodation you are staying in. Visitors who sleep in a five-star hotel will pay more taxes than those who spend the night in a campsite.

As for specific cities and the amounts to be paid, for example, in Barcelona you must pay between 65 cents and 2.25 euros  per night and person. Of course, only the first 7 nights of accommodation and those over 16 years old.

In the city with which we started this article, in Venice, they will have to pay between 2.50 and 10 euros, depending on whether it is high or low season. Remember that this new rate is only for those who do not spend the night in the city, therefore it is paid on each visit.

Where do I have to pay it?

There are quite a few cities that have decided to charge this rate to their tourists. One of the first to make this decision was Paris. For 25 years it has been charging its visitors between 20 cents and 1.50 euros per day. And 20% more is charged to those who have a reserved room that exceeds 200 euros per night.

Italy is a country where this tax is widespread. For example, Florence and Venice charge one euro per person, night and hotel star, that is, a person who spends five days in the city in a 4-star hotel must pay 15 euros. Milan and Rome also charge it, taxing especially the higher-class establishments.

However, the Balearic Islands were the promoters of this measure in Spain. During the years 2002 and 2003 a tourist tax was imposed on its visitors. However, it was something that did not last long, in a few months the decision was made to withdraw it.