The news
Italy is considering a major hike in tourist taxes to combat the effects of overtourism, the latest European country to take measures to combat the uncontrollable number of visitors that have sparked protests across the continent.
Under the proposed measure, the tax for overnight stays in an Italian city, currently €1-€5 ($1-$5.50), could rise to €25 for the most expensive hotel rooms, the Financial Times reported. reported — with the country’s tourism minister saying it would “more responsible.”
Europe has become the epicentre of a movement against mass tourism this summer, with protests breaking out in several countries including Spain, the Netherlands and Greece as residents object to the negative impact that too many visitors have on their quality of life.
SIGNALS
Residents protest rising costs and changing neighborhoods
The biggest complaint from residents about an excessive influx of visitors is the increase in the number of visitors. cost of living and gentrification in highly popular tourist areas, which has driven some residents away. In Barcelona, for example, rents have risen 68% in the past decade, CNN noted. Many feel that tourism tears the social fabric of certain neighborhoods in tourist cities, where historic establishments are often pushed out to make way for stores selling cheaper, lower-quality products aimed at visitors, Italian outlet Il Post added. Overtourism contributes to the Busy in health care, waste management and water supply, Euronews reported, while the construction of hotels and new housing could pose environmental problems.
In Italy there is a fine line between preserving the industry and protecting the inhabitants
In Italy, many residents are irritated by the impact tourism is having on their cities and are backing a tax hike on visitors, the Financial Times reported. But the government is also concerned about alienating the tourist industry, which, according to the most recent estimatesnoted Italian outlet Pagella Politica. Some tourism industry leaders and politicians have already expressed frustration over the proposed measure, which they say could deter visitors and negatively impact the hospitality sector. Italy is also under pressure from its rising public debt, which could reach 140% this year, the Financial Times added.
Past tourist taxes have produced mixed results
Several popular tourist destinations in Europe have recently introduced or increased their tourist taxes, National Geographic reported, but the levies have produced mixed resultsIn Barcelona there are two rates, one of which increased — from €0.75 ($0.80) a night in 2021 to €3.25 in 2024 — hasn’t deterred tourists from visiting the city, but the city council expects to collect more than $100 million from them in 2024, which officials say will help improve residents’ quality of life. In Amsterdam, a high tourist tax could encourage visitors to stay outside the city and commute during the day, a university lecturer told the magazine — which wouldn’t reduce the number of tourists but would reduce the income locals can get from accommodation.
