Home » Greece » Thailand Teams Up with Japan, Norway, Greece, Italy and Spain to Launch Tourism Taxes in 2026 Aimed at Tackling Overtourism and Supporting Sustainable Travel

Published on
November 12, 2025

In a bold move to combat the growing pressures of overtourism, Thailand is joining forces with Japan, Norway, Greece, Venice, and Spain to introduce tourism taxes in 2026. These countries are implementing new levies to manage the impact of mass tourism, ensuring that their iconic destinations remain sustainable for future generations. With these measures, the nations aim to strike a balance between encouraging economic growth from tourism and preserving their cultural, environmental, and infrastructural integrity. The move is part of a broader global trend focused on responsible travel, where tourists will contribute directly to the maintenance and protection of the places they visit.

Thailand’s ‘Kha Yeap Pan Din’: A Step Towards Sustainable Tourism

Thailand, a favourite destination for Indian tourists, is rolling out a new tourism tax starting in February 2026. The “Kha Yeap Pan Din” fee will charge 300 baht (approximately Rs 820) per visitor arriving by air, land, or sea. The collection of this fee will be handled by airlines and border authorities, with the funds earmarked for vital infrastructure improvements and emergency services. Of the total fee, 70 baht (Rs 191) will be allocated for travel insurance coverage.

Thailand’s tourism industry has been growing steadily, and this initiative seeks to ensure that the country can manage its resources better while maintaining the quality of its visitor experiences. Although the fee will be mandatory, frequent visitors and those on work visas may be exempt. This fee is part of the broader efforts to protect the environment and reduce the pressures placed on popular destinations, ensuring that future generations of tourists can enjoy Thailand’s natural and cultural wonders.

Japan’s Kyoto Introduces a Tiered Hotel Tax for Sustainable Growth

Japan is tackling overtourism with a creative solution: a tiered hotel tax, set to launch in Kyoto in March 2026. The tax will vary depending on the type of accommodation, with visitors staying in budget hotels paying ¥200 (Rs 2,490) per night, while those staying in luxury hotels may face fees up to ¥10,000 (Rs 1.24 lakh) per night. The expected revenue from this tax, estimated at ¥12.6 billion (Rs 1,569 crore) annually, will be reinvested into improving local transport systems, crowd management, and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Kyoto, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, has seen a significant increase in visitors in recent years. This tax will help mitigate the impacts of mass tourism while ensuring that the city remains a sustainable and attractive destination for both domestic and international travellers.

Norway’s National Tourist Tax: Protecting the Fjords and Arctic Regions

Norway is also preparing for the introduction of its first national tourist tax in 2026. The tax, which will allow municipalities to charge up to 3% on overnight stays and cruise visits, will be implemented in tourist hotspots like Bergen, Tromsø, and Geiranger. The revenue generated will go towards maintaining local infrastructure, preserving Norway’s pristine natural environments, and supporting sustainable tourism efforts in the Arctic and fjord regions.

Norway’s fjords, mountains, and Arctic landscapes are among the world’s most stunning, but they are increasingly under pressure from mass tourism. This new tax will help protect these areas from environmental degradation while allowing Norway to maintain its status as a leading eco-tourism destination.

Greece Tackles Cruise Overcrowding with New Disembarkation Fees

Greece, a country known for its picturesque islands, is introducing a new disembarkation fee for cruise passengers beginning in 2026. Popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos will charge an additional €12 (Rs 1,229) per cruise passenger, while smaller islands will levy a fee of €3 (Rs 307). The fees will be higher during peak season to address the strain on local infrastructure and overcrowding.

These funds will be used for waste management, crowd control, and infrastructure maintenance, helping to improve the quality of life for locals and provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors. By introducing these fees, Greece aims to protect its islands from the pressures of over-tourism while preserving their beauty for future generations.

Venice’s(Italy) Visitor Fee: Protecting the City’s Iconic Sites

Venice, one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, is reintroducing a daily visitor entry fee in 2026. Travellers who make last-minute reservations will be required to pay €10 (Rs 1,024) for entry, with the fee applicable on 54 high-traffic days between April and July. The new entry system will also require tourists to register via QR code, which will help manage visitor flow and prevent overcrowding.

This measure is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mass tourism and ensuring that Venice’s historical landmarks, including its canals and architecture, remain intact for years to come. With its fragile ecosystem and limited resources, Venice is adopting this fee as part of broader efforts to protect its unique heritage.

Spain’s Expanding Tourism Tax: A Focus on Heritage and Sustainability

Spain is set to further expand its tourism tax system starting in 2026. The current nightly fee of €4 (Rs 409) will rise gradually, with plans to increase it by €100 (Rs 1,000) by 2029. The funds will be directed towards heritage conservation and environmental projects, aimed at reducing the strain on Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.

The new tax is expected to help preserve Spain’s diverse cultural and natural sites, which are increasingly threatened by overtourism. With popular destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, and the Balearic Islands already experiencing heavy tourist traffic, this initiative will help the country manage its tourism sector in a more sustainable and responsible way.

Conclusion: Towards a More Balanced and Sustainable Tourism Future

These new tourism taxes, introduced by countries such as Thailand, Japan, Greece, and Spain, represent a critical shift towards more sustainable travel practices. Governments are recognising the need to balance tourism’s economic benefits with the protection of their local environments, cultures, and infrastructure. While these measures will raise costs for travellers, they are necessary to ensure that destinations continue to thrive in a way that is both beneficial to local communities and respectful of the environment.

As the global tourism landscape evolves, tourists can expect to see more of these measures adopted worldwide. These taxes will help fund sustainable practices that protect the destinations visitors love, ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for generations to come.