Much of Europe already levies a tourist tax – a nice little earner for Italian hotspots
Summary
Many countries in Europe have charged tourists a nightly tax for years to help cover local costs related to tourism. In Italy, popular cities like Rome and Milan earn millions of euros from this tax, which is meant to improve local services but is sometimes used for other expenses.Key Facts
- Tourist taxes are common in continental Europe but less known in the UK.
- Tourists pay the tax when they check out of hotels or holiday rentals.
- Austria started charging a tourist tax in 1842 for spa visitors.
- Italy abolished the tax for the 1990 World Cup but reintroduced it in 2011.
- The tax usually ranges from €1 to €10 per person per night; luxury hotels in Milan charge €12.
- Venice added an entrance fee in 2024 for day visitors, not overnight guests.
- Italian cities earned large sums from these taxes in 2024, with Rome earning €222.4 million.
- The money is intended for local services and monument maintenance but can be used for other city expenses.
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