Muscat: Travelers planning to go abroad this Eid should be aware of potential unexpected costs. An increasing number of global destinations are implementing tourist taxes, which are often included in hotel bills or charged upon arrival to enhance local revenue.
Bhutan
In Bhutan, visitors are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $100 (OMR 39) per person per day, with the exception of Indian nationals, who currently pay INR1200 (OMR 6) per person per night.
According to Bhutan’s tourism authority, the funds collected are directly invested in the welfare of the nation’s approximately 800,000 residents. This revenue supports healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, while also promoting environmental initiatives and aiding local businesses.
Spain
The population of Mallorca, a Spanish island, is comparable to that of Bhutan. However, the island has experienced a surge in tourist numbers in recent years, leading to numerous protests from residents.
In 2024, approximately 13 million tourists visited Mallorca, prompting many locals to advocate for restrictions on mass tourism. In response, the island introduced an accommodation tax in 2016, requiring vacationers to pay up to €4 per day, depending on their hotel category. Despite this tax, tourist numbers continue to rise, setting new records annually. In Barcelona, for instance, visitors currently face a daily charge of up to €7.50, based on their hotel classification.
Germany and France
In Berlin, a tax of 7.5% is applied to the cost of an overnight stay, while in Paris, guests may face charges nearing €16 per night for the highest-tier hotels.
Tourism taxes contribute significantly to the overall tax revenue of many cities.
In Barcelona, the municipality reports that tourism taxes generate approximately €100 million ($104 million), making it the third-largest source of municipal funding. However, the city has experienced significant anti-tourism protests as residents struggle with rising rental costs attributed to short-term holiday rentals from platforms like Airbnb. Consequently, local authorities are now prioritizing funding for projects that serve the broader community rather than solely the tourism industry. Currently, the €100 million ($104 million) collected from overnight accommodation taxes is being allocated to Barcelona’s School Climate Plan, which aims to implement climate control systems in schools throughout the city.
In Berlin, the revenue from the overnight accommodation tax, known as the City Tax, has not yet been designated for specific projects. The funds, which amounted to nearly €90 million in 2024, are currently directed into the city’s general budget.
Netherlands
Similarly, in Amsterdam, a tourist tax has been in effect since 1973, currently set at 12.5% of the overnight stay price. It is projected to yield €260 million in revenue by 2025, according to a city council spokesperson. Officials assert that this tax serves as both a vital revenue source and a mechanism to manage tourism growth, although its impact as a deterrent is expected to be minimal.
Venice
Italy, finally implemented its long-anticipated tourist tax in 2024 after considerable discussion. Visitors making day trips were required to pay an entrance fee of €5 on 29 designated peak season days. Critics, including opposition politicians, argued that this amount was insufficient to discourage tourists from flocking to the already congested city. Consequently, Venice increased the number of days subject to the fee to 54. Additionally, those who fail to pay the fee at least four days prior to their visit will now incur a charge of €10.
