As European cities grapple with overtourism, many have implemented tax hikes on tourists in an effort to curb the throngs of visitors. Norway, the latest European country to introduce a tourist tax, has passed a 3% levy on overnight stays in areas particularly affected by tourism, according to Euronews. The measure allows certain cities to adjust the tax percentage based on season, offering flexibility in managing tourist influx.
Much like other vacation destinations, funds collected from this tax will be used to finance infrastructure such as public bathroom facilities and parking areas, which are often strained by large numbers of tourists.
Top summer attractions for tourists include hiking spots, fjords, mountains, water activities, and beach visits, as highlighted by Visit Norway’s official site. The Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that attracts many visitors, are among the key draws for Norwegian tourism.
Cecilie Myrseth, the minister of trade and industry in Norway, emphasized the ‘historic agreement’ in a Facebook post, noting that the scheme is voluntary and applies to areas with a particularly high presence of tourists. She stressed that the tourism industry is vital for Norway’s future, creating housing, happiness, good experiences, value creation, and important jobs across the country.
Other international vacation destinations have also taken similar steps to manage overtourism. The Canary Islands, Spanish islands off the coast of Africa, are seeking to implement a tourist tax to fund infrastructure projects. Greek officials, for example, are planning to impose a $22 tax on visitors cruising to Santorini or Mykonos. Venice, Italy, introduced a pilot program in 2024 to charge day-trippers a $5.17 entry fee and is now looking to double the tax. The Maldives, known for its clear waters and luxury resorts, has raised a flight tax aimed at tourists leaving the islands.