In addition to Venice, other countries also want to charge additional fees for entry from 2023. In many countries around the world, this is already practiced.
The Italian lagoon city of Venice plans to require tourists to book their trip to the old town in advance by the summer of 2023. In 2023, visitors should buy a ticket to visit the historic center. In this way, the municipality wants to plan better how many people will be in the city. Over the years, excessive tourism has led to overcrowding and damaging effects on the town and its surroundings.
In Venice, tourists will soon have to pay for admission.
Other countries now want to follow suit. Apart from the local or spa tax, every tourist pays when staying overnight; additional fees are intended to curb over-tourism. For others, it’s almost like a sustainability tax on every visitor. The money from these taxes goes toward maintaining tourist facilities and protecting natural resources.
The Spanish city of Valencia has announced plans to introduce a tourist tax on all types of accommodation in the region, including hotels, hostels, apartments and campsites. It will take effect in late 2023 or early 2024. Visitors will have to pay between 50 cents and 2 euros per night for up to seven nights, depending on their chosen accommodation. The fee is intended to benefit the sustainable development of the tourism sector in the region. The revenue will also create more affordable housing for locals in tourist hotspots.
Thailand will reportedly introduce a tourist tax of 300 baht (8 euros) at the end of this year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand governor told Reuters that part of the fee would be used “to take care of tourists,” as there were times when health insurance did not cover them. It will also help fund the continued expansion of tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
By November 2023, non-EU citizens, including Americans, Australians, Britons and other travellers from outside the Schengen area, will have to fill out an application and pay 7 euros to enter. Those under 18 or over 70 do not have to pay the fee.
Not new, but comparatively high is the fee in Bhutan: While tourist fees in most countries are under 20 euros, the tax in Bhutan is very high in comparison. The minimum daily price for most foreigners is $250 (228 euros) per person per day in high season and slightly less in low season. However, this covers a lot, including lodging, in-country transportation, guides, food and entrance fees.
On these islands, public transportation will be accessible starting in 2023.
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