As overtourism continues to put pressure on popular destinations, countries worldwide are raising tourist taxes to control visitor numbers, support infrastructure and promote sustainable travel, with Spain now among them.
France, Thailand, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan and now Spain—where overtourism sparked widespread protests last year—are among those implementing higher levies, making increased travel fees the new norm.
From higher accommodation taxes in Europe to new entry fees in Asia and the Pacific, governments argue these measures will help curb overtourism, protect local environments and improve visitor experiences. However, for meeting and incentive travelers, these rising costs mean budgeting more for going abroad as the global tourism landscape shifts.
Higher Taxes for Visiting Ibiza, Mallorca & Menorca
Spain’s Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, are introducing a significant increase in their Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS), which set to rise from €4 (US$4.36) to €6 (US$6.55) per person, per night in high season. The increase applies to different accommodation categories, with rates varying between March and December, while January and February remain exempt.
Cruise passengers docking in the Balearics will see a tripled fee, rising from €2 (US$2.18) to €6 (US$6.55) per night. Additionally, authorities are considering a new rental car fee, which would be based on emissions and duration of stay, ranging from €30 (US$32.75) to €84 (US$91.70).
Stricter regulations on holiday rentals are also being introduced, including a ban on new tourist accommodations in residential buildings. Booking platforms must now verify rental property registrations while fines for unlicensed properties will increase.
Visitor Tax Increases Across the Globe
France: Higher Tourist Taxes Based on Accommodation Type
France is introducing a new tiered tourist tax system in 2025 based on accommodation types. Tax rates below are per person, double occupancy.
- Palaces: US$17
- Five-star hotels: US$12.42
- Four-star hotels: US$9.23
- Unclassified accommodations: Up to US$17
Thailand: New Tourist Tax for Land and Sea Arrivals, beginning mid-2025
- US$8.93 for visitors arriving by land
- US$4.46 for travelers arriving via sea
Venice: Protecting a Fragile Ecosystem
Venice is taking stricter measures to control mass tourism by expanding its tourist tax program.
- Visitors who book in advance will pay US$5.46
- Spontaneous arrivals will pay US$10.92
- Day visitor fees will double in 2025, further discouraging short-term tourism.
In addition, Amsterdam—which already increased its hotel bed tax to 12.5 percent in 2024, one of the highest in Europe—will apply additional fees for cruise passengers this year, with increases up to US$15.83 pp. Greece, Portugal’s Azores and New Zealand are levying new or higher tourism fees, while Japan is evaluating a proposal to raise its existing tourist tax from US$6.73 pp to US$33.66 pp.
Note: Euro, baht and yen conversions to US dollars valid at press time.
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