The trend of charging tourist fees is becoming more and more popular in the world. Currently, there are more than 60 destinations applying different types of taxes and fees to tourists, with many diverse forms of application.
Venice, with its new tourist fee from April 2024, is among many popular tourist destinations around the world that are adopting tourist fee measures to manage visitor numbers and generate local revenue.
Many famous tourist destinations around the world have begun charging fees to tourists.
In the UK, Kent County Council has recently recommended introducing a tourist tax on overnight stays in the county, while in Scotland, from 2026, the charge could be mandatory for visitors to Edinburgh.
The imposition of a tourist tax, despite its good intentions, is always a controversial topic with many opposing opinions. Some people support the tourist tax, saying that it is a necessary measure to manage the number of tourists, protect the environment and generate revenue for the locality. However, there are also many concerns about the negative side effects of the tourist tax, especially on the tourism industry.
Charging tourists helps limit mass tourism
Tourist taxes can deter tourists and make them reconsider visiting destinations where they are applied, leading to a decrease in tourist arrivals and a loss of revenue for tourism businesses. If tourists feel that the tourist tax is not being used effectively or that the purpose of the tax is unclear, they may react negatively and affect the image of the tourist destination.
Despite concerns about side effects, introducing tourist fees also has many potential benefits, contributing to promoting sustainable tourism development and environmental protection. CNN conducted research on seven destinations that charge fees and how the money is used.
Mostly, tourism fees can be used to promote tourist destinations, attract potential tourists and enhance the position of the destination in the international tourism market. Investing in effective marketing campaigns will help attract high-quality tourists, while contributing to building a strong tourism brand for the locality.
Hoi An ancient town entrance fee to protect heritage
Revenue from tourism fees can be used to improve tourism infrastructure, including roads, traffic, drainage systems, public toilets, entertainment areas, etc. Upgrading infrastructure will help improve the quality of tourism services, provide better experiences for tourists and attract returning tourists.
Overall, tourist taxes were successfully implemented in every destination they studied. There was little evidence of a drop in visitors simply because of the additional tax.
