These Popular Destinations Will Have Increased Visitor Fees in 2024 to Reduce Overtourism

In an effort to bolster their local economies and address the issue of overtourism, numerous global destinations have begun implementing tourist taxes and fees. These charges, sometimes added to hotel bills or collected upon arrival, aim to manage visitor volumes and fund sustainability initiatives, ultimately improving the quality of life for local residents.

As tourism rebounds worldwide, with some destinations even experiencing higher numbers than pre-pandemic levels due to the “revenge travel” trend, sustainability has become a top priority for many tourist hotspots.

Guy Bigwood, co-author of the 2020 report ‘Tourism Taxes by Design,’ explained that the additional revenue generated from visitor fees is often channeled into sustainability projects. “Tourism taxes, and especially assessments or levies, can help with this,” he said. These taxes not only benefit the environment but also ease the burden on locals, as visitors contribute to local expenses, improving residents’ quality of life.

Here are the details of several international destinations that will introduce new or increased visitor fees in 2024:

Amsterdam, The Netherlands:

• Europe’s highest tourism tax in Amsterdam will rise further in 2024.
• Hotel room tax will increase from 7 percent to 12.5 percent.
• Cruise-ship passengers will see their daily tariff fee rise from €8 to approximately €11 per person.

Bali, Indonesia (Starting February 14, 2024):

• Non-Indonesian visitors will face a fee of 150,000 IDR (about $10) per person.
• Funds will be dedicated to cultural and environmental conservation.
• Travelers will pay this fee upon arrival at Bali’s international airport.

Barcelona and Valencia, Spain:

• Barcelona’s municipal tourism tax will increase in April 2024.
• The fee will affect travelers staying in government-regulated accommodations.
• Currently €2.75 per night (US$3.01), it will increase to €3.25 (US$3.56) per person, per night.
• Valencia is also preparing to introduce its own tourism tax, ranging from 50 cents to €2 (US$2.19) per person, per night, depending on the type of accommodation.
• The fee will apply throughout the region, not just in the city.

Greece:

• Greece has announced a new tax on tourists for 2024.
• The fee will help cover damages from last year’s forest fires and flooding.
• The amount charged will vary by season and the type of accommodation (hotel or short-term rental property).

Iceland (Fee to be Implemented in 2024):

• The exact amount of the fee has yet to be announced.
• The tax will be used to support sustainability initiatives.
• Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir assures travelers that the fee won’t be excessively high.

Venice, Italy:

• Venice will begin charging day-trippers €5 (US$5.40) to enter the historic center.
• The fee will be imposed on high-volume days, around 30 non-consecutive days a year.
• It aims to control visitor numbers, addressing Venice’s overtourism challenges.

These measures reflect the growing commitment of popular destinations to balance tourism’s economic benefits with sustainable practices and the well-being of local communities. Travelers should be prepared for these additional fees when planning their trips to these destinations in 2024.