Among the financial costs of a holiday abroad are the sneaky 'hidden extras'. Those unseen, silent bits that need to be paid for. While ultimately frustrating, they are the ones that get you on a plane and in and out of your chosen destination. Without them, it is a stay-cation! Here are the latest fees that will be lumped on to the accidental tourist.
New Zealand hikes tourist fees
New Zealand's government has announced it will increase the tourist fees charged to enter the country by nearly 200 percent. According to The New Zealand Herald, the nation has decided to raise the tourist fee from about $22 to around $62 as of October 1, 2024.
Tourism Minister Matt Doocey emphasized that international tourism plays an important role in the New Zealand economy and stated the increase in the fee is intended to benefit the country's tourism expenditures.
But Tourism Industry Aotearoa, the country's independent tourism body, says the higher fee is a barrier to visitors, making it "incredibly expensive to visit". Mr Doocey countered that the new tax cost would not be a huge deterrent, as the fee would make up less than 3% of most tourists' average spending in the country.
Portugal's provinces charge up
Oeiras, a municipality near Lisbon and based in the Portuguese Riviera, is planning to roll out a new tourist tax. This follows on from other regions of Portugal having increased how much visitors need to pay.
Oeiras authorities said the new fee would be introduced in line with similar fees in neighbouring municipalities. Anyone staying overnight - in a hotel or other accommodation - will be charged €1 per person per night. This would add around €14 to a week-long stay for two.
The council explained the fee would "ensure a counterpart for the enjoyment of a set of activities and investments promoted by the municipality of Oeiras related to tourism".
Lisbon recently approved proposals to double the tourist tax starting in September. Tourists to the city will now need to pay €4 per person per night. Those arriving by cruise also pay more. The tax payable for cruise passengers will increase to €2.
Lagoa council implemented a tax in April, with all guests aged 13 and over having to pay €2 per night per person during the high season and €1 during the low season. This is charged for a maximum of seven nights in a row, and taxes are generally collected at hotels.
Italy considering tourist tax
Italy is considering a major hike in its tourist tax, potentially raising it to as much as €25 per night for visitors staying in the country's most luxurious accommodations.
The proposal is part of a strategy to manage over-tourism and provide financial support to cities struggling with the pressures of high tourist volumes, such as Florence, Rome and Venice.
The proposed tax, which could be introduced as early as next year, targets high-end hotel stays. According to the plan, visitors staying in rooms costing over €750 per night could face the maximum tax of €25. Those opting for more affordable accommodations could see a lower tax, with rates starting at €5 for rooms priced under €100.
Daniela Santanchè, Italy's Minister of Tourism, said: "In times of over-tourism, we are debating this so that it helps improve services and makes tourists who pay it more responsible".
Venice recently trialled a €5 admission fee for day-trippers entering its historic centre. While the move sparked debate, it highlights the growing need for innovative solutions to manage tourism sustainably.
UK city launches tourist tax
Manchester has become the first UK city to launch a "tourist tax" for visitors. The City Visitor Charge will mean people face an extra £1 per room per night for their accommodation cost.
The money will be used to help run large events, conferences, festivals, marketing campaigns, and street cleanliness campaigns.
Manchester City Council Chief Executive Joanne Roney said the "innovative initiative" would raise £3m annually to "enhance" visitors' experience.
Global view: Other countries that charge tourists with the tax included as part of accommodation, visa or plane ticket costs. These include:
Austria: Added to the accommodation bill, and is around 3.2% in Vienna
Belgium: Mainly below €5 for Brussels, and added onto the accommodation bill
Bhutan: $100 for adults until September 2027
Caribbean: St Lucia charges $3-$6, while the Dominican Republic charges a little higher
Croatia: The cost depends on the season and city
France: From €1 to more than €10 depending on accommodation
Germany: The standard tourist tax for Berlin is five per cent of the accommodation price
Greece: Depends on the accommodation, but around €5 a night
Indonesia: €10 a night for Bali
Japan: €5 a night
Malaysia: €2 per night
USA: €20 for UK citizens applying for a visa called Electronic System for Travel Authorization
Andy Probert is an independent journalist and PR writer. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
