New Tourist Taxes Across Europe: What Travellers Need To Know

European destinations are introducing new tourist taxes, overnight levies and entry fees as they try to manage over tourism, protect historic areas and fund essential infrastructure.

These changes affect city breaks, beach holidays and cultural hotspots, and they’re becoming increasingly common across the continent. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Rome, a summer escape to the Greek islands or a winter break in Barcelona, it’s important to understand how these new charges work before you book.

This guide breaks down the latest updates, why they’re happening and how travellers can prepare.

Why Tourist Taxes Are Increasing Across Europe

Tourism has bounced back strongly, and many destinations are now receiving more visitors than before the pandemic. Cities such as Venice, Barcelona and Amsterdam have struggled with overcrowding, rising accommodation costs for locals and pressure on public services. As a result, governments and councils are introducing new fees to help maintain infrastructure, protect cultural sites and manage visitor numbers.

These taxes aren’t designed to discourage travel. Instead, they aim to balance tourism with the needs of local residents. For travellers, the impact is usually small, but it’s still something to factor into your budget. For background on over tourism, sites like UN Tourism offer useful insights into how destinations are adapting.

Italy: Higher Overnight Levies and New Visitor Fees

Italy has been one of the most active countries in updating its tourist taxes. Cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice have increased their overnight levies, with rates varying depending on accommodation type and location. Rome’s updated tariff structure is available on the official Roma Capitale website.

Venice is also expanding its visitor fee system, which charges day‑trippers during peak periods. This initiative aims to protect the city’s fragile historic centre and reduce overcrowding. Travellers can find official updates on the Comune di Venezia portal.

Florence and Milan have also adjusted their rates, with details available on regional tourism sites such as Visit Florence and Yes Milano.

Spain: New Regional Tourism Fees and Eco‑Taxes

Spain continues to refine its tourism taxes across several regions. Barcelona has increased its city surcharge, which applies to hotels, apartments and cruise passengers. The latest updates are available on Visit Barcelona.

The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, apply an eco‑tax to support environmental protection and sustainable tourism projects. Rates vary depending on the season and accommodation type.

Valencia and the Canary Islands have also discussed new levies, with updates published on regional tourism sites such as Visit Valencia and Hello Canary Islands.

Greece: Climate Resilience Fee Replacing the Old Tax

Greece has replaced its previous overnight tax with a new climate resilience fee. This charge is higher during peak summer months and applies to hotels and short‑term rentals. The aim is to fund climate‑related infrastructure improvements, especially after recent wildfires and extreme weather events.

Travellers should expect slightly higher accommodation costs during July and August. Official updates can be found on Visit Greece and the Greek Ministry of Tourism website.

France: Adjustments to City Taxes Ahead of Major Events

France continues to adjust its taxe de séjour, which applies to hotels, guesthouses and holiday rentals. Paris has increased its rates ahead of major international events, while other cities such as Nice, Lyon and Marseille have updated their fees to support tourism infrastructure.

These charges are typically small but can add up over longer stays. Travellers can check local tourism sites such as Paris Info, Explore Nice Côte d’Azur and Only Lyon for current rates.

Other Destinations Introducing New Fees

Several other European destinations are also updating their policies:

• Amsterdam continues to increase its hotel and cruise taxes, with updates on Iamsterdam.

• Croatia adjusts its tourist tax seasonally, with details on Croatia.hr.

• Slovenia applies municipal taxes that vary by region, listed on Slovenia.info.

These changes reflect a wider trend across Europe as destinations try to balance tourism with sustainability.

How These Changes Affect Travellers

Most tourist taxes are modest, but they can influence your overall budget, especially for longer trips or family holidays. The biggest impact is usually on accommodation costs, as many fees are charged per person, per night.

Travellers should also be aware that some destinations now require advance payment or online registration for certain entry fees. This is particularly relevant for day‑trip destinations and protected natural areas.

How To Prepare Before You Travel

• Check official tourism websites for updated fees

• Factor overnight taxes into your accommodation budget

• Look for off‑peak travel periods to reduce costs

• Book accommodation with transparent pricing

• Be aware of day‑trip entry fees in popular cities

• Review cancellation policies in case fees change after booking

Final Frame

Tourist taxes are becoming a standard part of travelling in Europe, but they don’t need to complicate your plans. With a little preparation and awareness of the latest changes, you can budget accurately and avoid surprises at check‑in.

These fees help protect the destinations we love, ensuring they remain vibrant, sustainable and welcoming for years to come.