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<\/p>\nOvertourism continues to plague parts of Europe with some countries introducing or increasing tourism tax to help minimise the affects.<\/p>\n
More than 20 European countries levy some form of tourist or accommodation tax, including cities like Venice, Barcelona and Amsterdam, where the influx of visitors puts pressure on local resources. <\/p>\n
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Countries like Hungary, Portugal and Croatia have some of the lowest fees.<\/p>\n
Aussies heading to these countries are usually unaware of these hidden costs and in some cases, have had to fork out extra cash on top of their restricted travel budgets.<\/p>\n
The latest hotspot to increase its tourist tax to 20 per cent is Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
The Dutch capital welcomed 7.5 million international visitors in 2024, about an 8 per cent increase from the year before. <\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the city\u2019s coalition government announced plans to raise the tourist tax on overnight stays from 12.5 per cent (of your booking) to 16 per cent next year, and then increase it by one percentage point each year until it hits 20 per cent in 2030.<\/p>\n
If the plans go through, Amsterdam officials expect to raise $100 million AUD from the tourist tax in 2027, according to local reports. <\/p>\n
Already it has one the highest tourist taxes in Europe, with Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, saying it\u2019s becoming more common. <\/p>\n
\u201cVisitors bring in valuable tourist dollars but also have real impact on local environments and travel taxes help offset that,\u201d he told news.com.au.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlus it\u2019s politically easier than taxing residents more.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said given the 20 per cent increase, Aussie travellers on a tight budget might drop Amsterdam from their itineraries and choose somewhere else. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut ultimately, if you want that particular experience, you\u2019ll pay up. And Amsterdam remains one of the best-connected cities in Europe \u2013 flying somewhere else simply might not work as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brett Mitchell, managing director ANZ at Intrepid Travel said the increase signals Amsterdam \u201cis taking the responsible approach on tourism and that\u2019s a good thing,\u201d he told news.com.au. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are also plans to close or relocate the main cruise terminal and limit the number of cruise ships entering the city each year.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor Australians on a Northern European cruise, it\u2019s worth checking your itinerary as passengers may eventually need to transfer in via Rotterdam rather than docking directly. And if you\u2019re booking accommodation, get in early and lock in prices before future increases take effect.\u201d<\/p>\n
He advised shoulder season travel (autumn or early spring), will also get you a better experience for less. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut the bigger picture here is positive. Destinations that actively manage visitor numbers are the ones that stay worth visiting,\u201d he explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cAmsterdam is investing in its own future and ultimately in a better experience for the people who visit.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the city\u2019s canals, historic streets and neighbourhoods have been buckling under the pressure of mass tourism for years and residents have raised real concerns about noise, waste, overcrowded public transport and housing costs. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe new measures are a direct response to that. The tourist tax revenue will go toward improving public services, maintaining infrastructure and managing crowds,\u201d Mr Mitchell said. <\/p>\n
\u201cCruise ship restrictions will reduce pollution and congestion near the city centre. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor Australians who travel thoughtfully, these changes aren\u2019t a deterrent. They\u2019re a signal that the destination is looking after itself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Barcelona, Paris, Venice, Norway \u2013 all have introduced or strengthened tourist taxes and visitor restrictions in recent years. <\/p>\n
\u201cDestinations are responding to real pressure from local communities and the ones taking action are the ones that are going to remain incredible places to travel to,\u201d Mr Mitchell said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s good news for Australians who want to keep coming back to Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n