Home » EUROPE » Europe’s Tourist Tax Boom: How France Joins Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Netherlands Are Charging Travelers in 2025
Published on
October 29, 2025
Europe’s tourist tax boom continues to grow, as France joins Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Netherlands in implementing or increasing tourist taxes on travelers. These taxes are becoming a standard part of visiting top destinations across the continent. From Paris to Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, tourists will find themselves paying extra charges to help support local infrastructure, sustainability, and services. The funds collected are used to maintain the charm and appeal of these beloved cities, ensuring a better experience for everyone. However, these rising taxes also affect travelers’ budgets, making it more important than ever to plan ahead. As more European countries follow suit, understanding how these taxes work and how to minimize their impact is essential for anyone heading to Europe in 2025. This guide explores how France, along with Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Netherlands, is charging travelers and what it means for your next trip.
France: A Long-Standing Tradition of the ‘Taxe de Séjour’
In France, the “taxe de séjour” (occupancy tax) has been in place for years. It’s applied to overnight stays in hotels and other types of accommodation. This tax is not flat and varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation you’re staying in. For example, staying in a luxury hotel in Paris will likely cost more in taxes than staying in a basic hostel in the countryside.
The French government uses the money collected from these taxes to support tourism-related infrastructure and services. These funds help keep the cities and attractions in tip-top shape for future visitors. So, while paying a tax may feel frustrating, it is used to directly improve your travel experience. And remember, the more luxurious your stay, the higher the tax is likely to be.
For travelers heading to Paris or other major cities, it’s a good idea to budget for this tax in advance. The rate can be as little as a few cents a night in smaller towns, but in larger cities like Paris, it can go up to several euros per night.
Italy: Tourist Taxes in Rome and Venice
Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and it has rolled out tourist taxes in several major cities like Rome and Venice. Just like in France, these taxes are charged per person per night, and they vary depending on the type of accommodation and the time of year you visit.
For instance, Venice, which sees millions of tourists each year, has a tourist tax to help preserve its delicate infrastructure and environment. The tax revenue is put towards supporting local tourism initiatives and maintaining the beauty and charm of the city. Rome, with its ancient landmarks, also charges this fee. These cities rely on tourism to fuel their economy, but they also need to keep their streets clean and their attractions well-maintained for visitors.
In popular tourist seasons, such as summer or during holidays, these taxes are often at their highest, as demand for accommodation increases. Therefore, booking a stay during the off-season might help you save a bit on your accommodation, and consequently, on the tourist tax as well.
The Netherlands: A Tax on Overnight Stays
The Netherlands, with its iconic canals and famous cities like Amsterdam, is another country where tourist taxes are common. The country charges a tax on overnight stays in hotels, hostels, and other types of accommodation. Similar to the taxes in Italy and France, the amount you pay will depend on the type of accommodation you choose.
These taxes are used to fund local tourism initiatives and to support infrastructure projects that benefit both locals and visitors. For example, in Amsterdam, the revenue from the tax is put toward improving public transport, maintaining historical sites, and keeping the city’s public spaces clean and safe for everyone.
If you’re planning to visit the Netherlands, be aware that tourist taxes are a part of the total cost of your stay. Make sure to check with your accommodation provider or booking platform to understand the exact tax rate you’ll be paying.
Spain: Tourist Tax in the Balearic Islands
Spain is another European destination that imposes a tourist tax, especially in popular areas like the Balearic Islands. This tax applies to overnight stays, and like the others, the rate varies based on accommodation type. Whether you’re staying in a five-star resort or a budget-friendly hostel, the tourist tax will be added to your bill.
In the Balearic Islands, which include hotspots like Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, the funds from the tax are used to improve tourism services and maintain the infrastructure that makes these islands so attractive to visitors. This means that the money you pay as a tourist is directly used to ensure that these popular destinations remain appealing to future visitors.
Just like in the other countries, if you’re planning a visit during the peak summer season, be prepared to pay a bit more in tourist taxes, as the demand for accommodation is at its highest.
Greece: The Resilience Tax
Greece has made a unique move by rebranding its accommodation tax as the “resilience tax.” This change was designed to increase revenue for important causes, such as managing climate change and disaster recovery actions. In fact, Greece has seen a dramatic increase in its revenue from tourist taxes, with an increase of up to 700% in some areas.
This tax is applied to hotel stays and other forms of accommodation, just like in France, Italy, and Spain. However, the money collected is used for long-term sustainability, including measures to combat climate change. As Greece faces challenges such as rising sea levels and extreme weather, the resilience tax helps fund efforts to adapt and recover.
The resilience tax is another way that Greece is turning the money from tourists into vital investments for the future. It’s also an important reminder that while you may be paying a little more for your stay, that money is helping protect the environment and the economy of the country you’re visiting.
How to Minimize the Impact of Tourist Taxes
While paying tourist taxes may feel like an extra burden, there are ways to reduce their impact on your travel budget. Here are a few tips to help you minimize the cost of these taxes:
- Book Your Stay in Advance: Many cities offer discounted rates during the off-season. If you plan your trip during these quieter months, you may not only save on accommodation costs but also reduce the amount you pay in taxes. Tourist taxes are often higher during peak season, so avoid traveling in summer or during public holidays.
- Check the Tax Rate Before You Book: Some accommodations include the tourist tax in their advertised prices, while others add it on later. Always check whether the tax is included in the price of your stay, so you don’t end up with any surprises when it’s time to pay.
- Stay in Smaller Towns or Rural Areas: If you’re looking to avoid the higher tourist taxes in major cities, consider staying in smaller towns or rural areas. These locations often have lower tourist taxes, and they may offer a more relaxed and authentic travel experience.
- Consider Alternative Accommodation: In some cases, staying in alternative types of accommodation like private rentals, guesthouses, or Airbnb properties might allow you to avoid some of the higher taxes that hotels charge.
- Use Public Transportation: Many cities use the revenue from tourist taxes to improve public transportation systems. By using buses, trams, and trains instead of taxis or private cars, you can help make the most of the improvements funded by the tax while saving money on transportation.
Tourist taxes are becoming a standard way for European cities and countries to manage the impact of tourism on their infrastructure and resources. While they may add an extra cost to your trip, it’s important to remember that these taxes help keep cities clean, safe, and welcoming for visitors. Whether you’re visiting the romantic streets of Paris, the ancient ruins of Rome, or the stunning islands of Greece, the money you pay in tourist taxes helps protect these destinations for future generations.
