Rome is considering raising the tourist tax in order to make travellers “more responsible”, and to raise money. According to a draft law that was released this summer, Giorgia Melons government is considering raising the tourist tax, which is currently around five euro per night, to 10 euros per room for 100 euros, to 15 euros for 400 euros and to 25 euros for luxury suites over 750 euros.
The proposal has angered tourism groups who fear that it could act as deterrent.
“We can’t scare tourists away with taxes that are excessive,”
Marina Lalli told AFP. She is the head of Federturismo.
“We already pay a very high VAT (sales tax) of 22 percent. By adding new taxes, we could damage Italy’s competitiveness. This is especially true for all-inclusive, organized trips.”
Bernarbo Bocca of the Federalberghi hoteliers’ association accused the government in May of treating “hotels like ATMs”. Daniela Santanche, Tourism minister, at the weekend, rejected “unfounded panic” after news of the proposed tax hike made headlines overseas. She did not deny this plan.
“At a moment of overtourism, we are discussing the tourist tax so that it can be a great help to improve services and make tourists who pay more responsible,” she wrote in social media early August.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Italy is the 4th most popular tourist destination. It welcomed 57.2 millions foreign tourists who spent $55.9 Billion last year. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported that tourists were divided on the issue of possible tax increases in front the Duomo in Milan, the majestic cathedral.
“Increasing the tax is profiteering.” I would move to another country that did not have this tax,” said Fabea, a 25 year old Swiss student of economics.
In 2023, the state recorded 21871,641 domestic visitors, a significant jump from the numbers before COVID. The number of international tourists also increased, with 649.057 visitors in the year 2023. The first quarter 2024 continued the upward trend with a 2.05% rise in domestic tourist arrivals in comparison to the same period of 2023.
Liam Roth (25), a Zurich computer science student, supported this proposal.”I understand that the Milanese feel irritated by tourists. I think increasing the tax is the right thing to do.” “We are part the problem,” he said to AFP.
A government official told AFP that the consultations between the industry and local officials are still ongoing.
“Nothing is decided.” Source: “At this point, raising the tax rate is just an hypothesis.”
Italy’s rich cultural heritage and stunning coast have made it a popular tourist destination for many years. But the numbers are no longer sustainable. Venetians, who throng the narrow bridges and streets, were charged a five euro fee per day in April for peak period visitors. It was still crowded. In July, the local authorities on the Italian Riviera, where traffic jams can form between the colourful Cinque Terre village along the stunning northwest coastline, introduced a five euro fee to enter the newly remodeled “Path of Love”.
Graffiti demanding “Tourists go home!” Graffiti that demands “Tourists go home!” adorns Florence, the Renaissance jewel. It also does so in Barcelona, a hotbed for anti-tourist unrest.
Residents of both countries are concerned about the same things: noise and crowds; shops that were once useful being replaced with souvenir stalls; and, above all, rising local rents due to apartments being converted into short-term rental apartments. According to the proposed Italian plan the tourist tax would be extended to all 7,904 localities. This tax brought in 775 millions euros in 2023.
