When you’re planning an international holiday, it’s not just flights, hotels, and food you should budget for. In many countries, visitors are also required to pay tourist taxes — extra charges designed to help maintain infrastructure, protect cultural heritage, and support sustainable tourism.
These fees may appear as accommodation taxes, entry charges, or even departure levies, and the rates vary from country to country. Let’s take a look at 10 popular destinations where tourists must pay such taxes and what they’re used for.
1. Italy – ‘Tassa di Soggiorno’ and Venice’s Entry Fee
In Italy, the tourist accommodation tax (tassa di soggiorno) varies by city and hotel category.
- Rome: €1–€5 per night, depending on the hotel’s star rating.
- Venice: Since 2024, day visitors must pay a €5 entry fee during peak seasons to help combat overcrowding and preserve the city’s fragile heritage.
These contributions go directly towards maintaining historic sites, improving tourist facilities, and protecting cultural treasures.
2. Japan – The ‘Sayonara Tax’
Japan imposes a flat departure tax of 1,000 yen (about ₹600) for all travelers leaving the country. This “Sayonara Tax” helps fund tourism infrastructure, airport operations, and initiatives that enhance the visitor experience.
3. France – ‘Taxe de Séjour’
Across France, many cities charge a tourist stay tax (taxe de séjour) based on your accommodation type:
- Budget stays: around €0.65 per night
- Luxury hotels: over €15 per night
Funds are allocated to maintaining museums, public transport, parks, and other facilities that make France such a world-class travel destination.
4. Bhutan – Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Bhutan has one of the highest tourism fees in the world — USD 100 per person per day. This Sustainable Development Fee supports Bhutan’s “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy, which aims to protect its pristine environment, rich culture, and unique heritage.
5. Malaysia – Per Night Tourist Tax
Foreign visitors staying in registered accommodations in Malaysia are charged a flat RM 10 per room per night. The revenue is used to promote tourism, enhance public facilities, and improve the visitor experience.
6. Indonesia – Bali’s New Tourist Tax
Since February 2024, Bali charges a one-time fee of 150,000 rupiah (around $10) per traveler upon arrival. The tax supports cultural preservation, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development on the island.
7. Thailand – Arrival Tax for International Visitors
Thailand has announced plans to introduce a 300 Baht (~$9) arrival tax for tourists arriving by air. Funds will be used for sustainable tourism initiatives and to provide basic accident insurance coverage for visitors.
8. New Zealand – Conservation and Tourism Levy
Travelers entering New Zealand pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35–100, collected when applying for a visa or eTA. The funds go towards environmental conservation projects and upgrading tourism infrastructure.
9. Austria – ‘Ortstaxe’ Local Tax
Austria’s tourist tax, known as Ortstaxe, varies by region:
- Vienna: 3.2% of the accommodation cost
- Other regions: €0.15–€3 per person per night
Revenue is invested in maintaining tourist attractions and boosting local tourism promotion.
10. Spain – Eco-Tax in the Balearic Islands
In Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, tourists pay between €0.60 and €3.50 per night depending on the season and type of accommodation. The eco-tax funds environmental protection and tourism management. Although temporarily paused during a tourism slump, it remains key to ensuring sustainable travel in the islands.
Final Word
While these taxes might seem like an added expense, they are designed to protect the very destinations we love to visit. By contributing a small amount, tourists play a direct role in preserving cultural landmarks, improving infrastructure, and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same travel experiences.
If you’re planning a trip to any of these destinations, factor in these fees while budgeting — a little extra planning goes a long way in making your journey smooth and stress-free.
