Travelling the world comes with many amazing experiences but for some destinations it also means an extra fee to fork out —a tourist tax. Many countries and cities have introduced these taxes to manage visitor numbers, support local infrastructure and fund environmental conservation efforts.
For travellers using British Airways reward flights and collecting Avios points, knowing tourist tax destinations is key when planning a trip, to make sure you’re not blindsided by hidden costs. Some taxes are added to accommodation costs, others are one-off charges on arrival.
Here’s a breakdown of which major destinations charge a tourist tax, how much you’ll pay and how to factor this into your travel plans.
Why Do Countries Have a Tourist Tax?
A tourist tax is a fee imposed on visitors, often to maintain public services, protect heritage sites and support sustainability initiatives.
Common reasons for countries with tourist tax include:
- Reducing the effects of overtourism in popular cities.
- Funding conservation projects to protect natural landmarks.
- Improving tourist infrastructure, such as transport and waste management.
Tourist taxes are on the rise, especially in Europe and Asia. If you’re travelling using Avios reward flights it’s good to check the tourist tax news before you book, so you’re organised and well prepared when you arrive.
Tourist Taxes in Europe
Europe has some of the highest tourist taxes globally, with many cities introducing per-night charges based on accommodation type.
Spain
- Barcelona – Visitors pay up to €3.50 per night, combining regional Catalonia tax with the city’s own levy.
- Balearic Islands – Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca impose a Sustainable Tourism Tax, ranging from €0.25 to €4 per night, depending on accommodation.
Italy
- Rome – Charges between €3 and €7 per night, increasing with the hotel’s star rating.
- Venice – From 2024, a €5 entry fee for day-trippers aims to control overcrowding.
France
- Paris – Hotels charge €0.25 to €5 per person per night, with luxury hotels applying the highest rates.
- Other cities – Lyon and Marseille have similar taxes based on hotel star ratings.
Greece
- Tax applies to hotels, ranging from €0.50 per night (budget hotels) to €4 (luxury resorts).
Portugal
- Lisbon and Porto – Tourists pay €2 per night up to seven nights.
Croatia
- Charges vary by season, with summer rates higher to offset peak visitor numbers.
Austria & Belgium
- Vienna and Brussels charge a percentage of the accommodation cost, usually between 3-5%.
Tourist Taxes in Asia & the Pacific
Several destinations in Asia and the Pacific have introduced tourist taxes to fund environmental conservation and infrastructure projects, which is vital to maintain their natural beauty and wildlife population.
Thailand
- A new 300-baht (~£7) tourist fee applies to international arrivals.
Bali (Indonesia)
- From 2024, tourists must pay 150,000 IDR (~£7.75) on arrival.
Japan
- A "Sayonara Tax" of ¥1,000 (~£5.30) applies when leaving Japan.
New Zealand
- A "Visitor Levy" of NZ$35 (~£18) applies to international travellers.
Bhutan
- One of the world’s highest tourist taxes, at $100 (£80) per day.
Tourist Taxes in North & Latin America
Tourist taxes are less common in North America but some locations have introduced fees for international visitors.
Hawaii (USA)
- Hawaii's transient accommodation tax adds up to 13.25% per night.
Mexico
- The Visitax fee for Quintana Roo (Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen) is ~£9 per visitor.
Jamaica & The Caribbean
- Various islands charge departure taxes ranging from £10 to £50, usually included in airline tickets.
Tourist Taxes in the Middle East & Indian Ocean
Some destinations in the Middle East and luxury island nations have high tourist fees, as you might expect given their opulence.
Dubai (UAE)
- Charges "Tourism Dirham" based on hotel category, ranging from AED 7 to AED 20 (~£1.50 to £4.30) per night.
Maldives & Seychelles
- Charge environmental taxes on resort stays, usually around £5 per night
Top Tips for Managing Tourist Taxes
- Check Before You Travel – Many cities update their tourist tax news regularly, check official tourism websites.
- Factor It Into Your Budget – Some taxes are charged per night, so costs can add up over longer stays.
- Use Avios to Offset Costs – Booking British Airways reward flights with Avios helps reduce overall travel expenses.
- Understand Local Rules – Some taxes must be paid in cash on arrival, others are included in hotel bills or flights.
Final Thoughts
Tourist taxes are on the rise as destinations try to manage visitor numbers sustainably. It may not be the most fun but they do help preserve cultural sites and infrastructure - meaning they’ll maintain the exact charm and character you’re seeking when you book them in the first place. If you’re using Avios points you need to plan ahead.
Check the Avios redemption charts, use the Avios flight calculator and chase the best Avios flight deals to maximise your trips and factor in tourist taxes. Before you book your next trip research tourist tax destinations and plan accordingly to get the best out of your Avios and your budget.
For the best Avios flight search and reward seat availability use Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to make your next trip as smooth and cost effective as possible.
