Visit before the tax is implemented: 10 places that will become more expensive in 2024

After the high-profile year of 2023, which became a landmark for the tourism industry since the beginning of the pandemic, most places accustomed to receiving many travelers have begun to introduce taxes for tourists. Additionally, cities that have previously implemented such measures are preparing to increase the tax rates in the new tourist year.

On one hand, these actions are driven by the fight against climate change, while on the other hand, they aim to promote the development of infrastructure and urban life. Alongside the taxes, some cities have imposed specific restrictions on foreign tourists, such as Venice, which prohibits tours exceeding 25 people at a time. The New York Post reported on which cities will introduce restrictions for tourists in 2024.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

This city will implement the highest tourist tax in Europe and rank fourth in the world. The surcharge for staying in a local hotel will cost travelers 12.5%. This step aims to help the city "overcome the consequences of excessive tourism" and maintain clean streets.

Venice, Italy

A one-day visit to the city will cost tourists more than $5.38. This decision was made, among other reasons, because this floating city is typically crowded with cruise ship travelers, who contribute less than 20% to the economy but constitute about 73% of visitors.

Barcelona and Valencia, Spain

Barcelona plans to increase the general tourist tax across the region in 2024. Thus, instead of approximately $3, tourists will have to pay up to $3.56. At the same time, Valencia will also introduce a tourism tax ranging from 50 cents to just over $2 per night.

Bali, Indonesia.

Starting February 14, visitors to the island will have to pay about $10 per person. These funds are intended to be used for preserving the environment, nature, and culture. Additionally, improvements in conditions and service quality in Bali are also taken into account. It is noted that this fee will be charged from the moment a traveler sets foot on the island. Furthermore, if tourists manage to reach the islands of Gili and Lombok or East Java, they will have to pay another $10 upon returning to Bali.

Iceland

Local officials have announced their intention to introduce the tax in 2024, but the exact amount has not yet been determined. According to the Prime Minister of Iceland, Katrín Jakobsdóttir: "Tourism in Iceland has really grown exponentially over the last decade, and this obviously has an impact on more than just the climate." At the moment, the government has assured that the tax amount should not be too high.

Manchester, UK

Manchester introduced a tourist tax last year. It applies to hotels as well as other vacation accommodations and amounts to more than $1. According to officials, although this amount is small, it will collect more than $3 million per year.

Thailand

This Asian country has introduced a flight tax of about USD 9 and an additional USD 4 fee for those arriving in the country by water or land. These funds are used for traveler care and apply to all foreign tourists from 2 years old.

Olhão, Portugal

This city in the south of Portugal introduced a tax in the summer of 2023. The cost for visitors is just over $1 per night in the off-season and from November to March.

Bhutan

The largest tax will have to be paid in this country. The tax in Bhutan is $100 per day for adults and $50 for children aged six to 11.