Many popular destinations across the globe have introduced tourist taxes as a way to manage the pressures of increasing visitor numbers, protect local heritage and invest in essential infrastructure. These
fees, which vary widely from country to country, can take different forms from nightly hotel charges to one-time entry or departure levies. In some places, the amounts are minimal and barely noticeable on your bill, while in others, they are designed as significant contributions toward sustainable tourism initiatives.
Below is a closer look at seven countries where such taxes are in place, along with how they are applied and what purposes they serve.
France
In France, visitors are charged a taxe de séjour or stay tax, which is calculated based on the city and the type of accommodation chosen. The rate ranges from as little as EUR 0.65 per night (Rs 66) for budget stays to over EUR 15 per night (Rs 1,534) in high-end luxury hotels. Revenue from this tax is directed towards maintaining and improving tourism-related facilities, ensuring travellers continue to enjoy a high-quality experience.
Indonesia
Bali, one of Indonesia’s most visited islands, implemented a dedicated tourist tax on February 14, 2024. Each visitor now pays 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (around Rs 815) as a one-time fee upon entry. This contribution is channelled into programs that protect Bali’s cultural heritage, preserve its natural beauty and support long-term sustainable tourism practices.
Austria
Austria charges a local tourism tax known as Ortstaxe, with rates differing by region. In Vienna, guests pay 3.2 per cent of their total accommodation cost, while in other parts of the country, the fee typically falls between EUR 0.15 (Rs 15) and EUR 3 (Rs 307) per person per night. Proceeds are used to enhance regional tourism services and infrastructure.
New Zealand
Travellers visiting New Zealand are subject to the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is applied when obtaining an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) or visa. The fee ranges from NZD 35 (Rs 1,825) to NZD 100 (Rs 5,214), and the funds are invested in environmental conservation projects as well as tourism infrastructure to ensure the country remains a pristine and visitor-friendly destination.
Bhutan
Bhutan is renowned for its high-value, low-impact tourism model, and part of that approach involves a substantial Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 (Rs 8,757) per person per day. This significant charge funds initiatives to preserve the nation’s environment, cultural traditions, and historical heritage, ensuring tourism benefits the country without overwhelming it.
Italy
Italy applies a tassa di soggiorno or tourist stay tax, with rates differing between cities and types of lodging. In Rome, the charge ranges from EUR 1 (Rs 102) to EUR 5 (Rs 511) per night, while Venice recently introduced a EUR 5 entry fee specifically for day-trippers. The collected funds are used to maintain infrastructure, safeguard historical sites, and manage the challenges of heavy tourist footfall.
Japan
Japan’s so-called Sayonara Tax is a departure levy of 1,000 yen (Rs 597), paid by all travellers leaving the country. This modest fee supports projects aimed at enhancing tourism facilities, improving airport services, and developing infrastructure that benefits both locals and visitors.
