• Fri. Feb 7th, 2025

CYPRUS TRAVELLER GUIDE

Updated daily for people visiting & living in Cyprus

NO ‘TOURIST TAX’ IN CYPRUS

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe
A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

A TAX THAT VARIES WILDLY

The concept of a tourist tax, which is levied on visitors to contribute to local infrastructure and services, has recently gained traction in various destinations worldwide. To date, several destinations around the world have adopted this type of tax in some way or form, with historic cities, such as Venice and Barcelona, being among the latest high-profile destinations to recently introduce this tax. With ‘tourist taxes’ varying wildly, there seems to be no control over the amount that is being charged for different types of accommodation at different destinations, and with travellers now seeking even more value for money, is this still a sustainable model? 

A REDUCTION IN TRAVELLER NUMBERS

Several analysts remain sceptical as to whether these charges will be sustainable within the near future. Most tourist destinations rely on large visitor numbers to maintain local economies and with the introduction of new entry controls at European Union borders adding to the cost of travelling, visitor numbers may dwindle, with people seeking alternative ways of spending their recreational time away from home. This view is supported by recent surveys that have indicated that travellers are now considering taxes before making a booking for the first time, with some specifically choosing destinations that do not charge a tax at all. This indicates that there will be a reduction in traveller numbers to destinations that add taxes in this coming year with travellers seeking more value for money above all else. 

CYPRUS HAS NO TOURIST TAX

Whilst the implementation of such a tax in Cyprus has been a subject of discussion, there are no immediate plans to introduce one. Cypriot authorities maintain that balancing the need for increased revenue with the imperative to keep Cyprus a competitive and appealing destination is crucial for the island’s long-term prosperity. Cyprus has traditionally relied on its tourism sector as a significant contributor to its economy and the absence of a tourist tax can be seen as an effort to maintain the attractiveness of the island for travellers seeking affordable vacation options. This policy has not only enhanced the overall visitor experience but has also encouraged longer stays and increased spending locally.

GROWING DEMANDS ON PUBLIC SERVICES

While there have been proposals regarding the introduction of a tourist tax to address the growing demands on public services and environmental preservation, local authorities have yet to reach a consensus. Such a tax could theoretically provide valuable funding for enhancing tourist facilities, maintaining natural resources, and protecting the cultural heritage of Cyprus. However, critics argue that imposing additional fees might deter potential visitors, impacting a key sector of the economy. As the tourism landscape evolves, the consideration of a tax could emerge again, but for now, visitors can enjoy the charm of visiting Cyprus without the burden of a tourist tax.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular destinations that charge a tourist tax

Switzerland

Charges vary across towns, cities and cantons, with prices for camping usually lower than hotels. Fees can also vary significantly, from around €3 up to €7 per person, per night.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Netherlands

Amsterdam currently charges one of Europe’s most expensive tourist taxes, set at 12.5% of the overnight rate, not including VAT. Other towns and cities are free to set their prices.

Belgium

Towns, cities and municipalities are free to set their tourism taxes, which apply to all non-inhabitants of that area, whether or not they are Belgian. In some places, such as Antwerp and Bruges, the charge is a flat fee, while elsewhere, such as Brussels, it is based on the size and rating of the accommodation.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Austria

Known as the Beherbergungsbeiträge, the charge varies between towns and applies to tents and caravans, as well as hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs. In Vienna, the capital, a charge is set at 3.2% of your accommodation bill.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Germany

Popular cities such as Frankfurt, Berlin and Hamburg set a tax usually worth about 5% of accommodation costs, although others, such as Munich, charge nothing.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Czech Republic

The Czech capital Prague charges the highest rates, with tourists expected to pay the equivalent of about €2 for up to 10 nights in the city. Other popular cities, such as Brno, charge a little less.


A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Hungary

Visitors to the Hungarian capital Budapest are charged an additional 4% on top of the per night cost of accommodation.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Slovenia

Charges vary between areas and are made up of a ‘tourist tax’, plus a separate ‘promotional tax’. The combined price usually equates to about €3 per person, per day.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Greece

‘Accommodation taxes’ for tourists have been replaced with a new ‘climate tax’, which has increased the costs. Prices per person, per night, now start at €1.50, but can rise as high as €15, with reduced rates during the off-season. Visitors to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos also face a €20 tourist tax at the port in the peak of the summer season.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Croatia

Rates vary depending on location and time of year, but it is generally about €1 per person, per day, with reduced prices for young people.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Portugal

Tourists can expect to pay between €1 and €2 per person, per night when visiting Portugal, but again this is dependent on the mode of accommodation and the time of year. Children visiting Portugal are exempt from any charges that are capped after seven consecutive nights per stay.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Spain

Tourist taxes are only in place when visiting Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Rates vary widely and this is dependent on the time of year and type of accommodation, with Barcelona’s authorities demanding up to €4 per person, per night for a stay in a five-star hotel or resort. In contrast, the town of Mogán, in Gran Canaria, requests just €0.15 per day for visitors.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

Italy

Payments are required for visitors from more than different 1,000 areas all around the country and the range of charge is dependent not only on the area but the type of accommodation. Rates are usually between €1 and €5 per person, per day, but in some places, such as Rome, charges could be as high as €7.

A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

France

Any guests staying in hotels, holiday lets, campsites and other accommodations are charged a tourist tax. The rate is set by local authorities and can range from as little as €0.20 to €5.00 per person, per day.


A List Of Tourist Taxes Across Europe

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