Barcelona Joins Venice, Amsterdam, Kyoto, Hawaii, and Santorini to Raise Tourism Taxes in 2026 – Don’t Book Until You Know the Costs!

Published on November 22, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As the global tourism landscape faces mounting challenges from overtourism and environmental degradation, several destinations around the world are preparing to implement or increase tourism taxes by 2026. This trend is primarily motivated by the need to fund infrastructure improvements, environmental protection initiatives, and sustainable tourism practices. From European cities to island nations in the Pacific, here is a detailed look at how key destinations are planning to address these challenges through tourism levies.

Who Is Affected by These Changes?
The tourism tax increases announced for 2026 will impact a wide range of travelers, from overnight guests in hotels and rental accommodations to cruise passengers and day-trippers. These changes will be implemented in destinations that are experiencing high levels of tourism, where the influx of visitors is putting pressure on local resources, heritage sites, and natural environments.

What Are the New Taxes and Where Are They Being Introduced?
Several major destinations have confirmed tourism tax increases or the introduction of new fees by 2026. Among the key locations are Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam, Kyoto, Hawaii, and Greece. These taxes are generally aimed at bolstering local infrastructure, improving sustainability efforts, and ensuring that tourism remains a responsible and beneficial industry for both locals and visitors.

In Barcelona, a municipal surcharge on the existing tourist tax will increase from €4 to €5 per night starting in January 2026, with additional phased increases up to €8 by 2029. This measure, which applies to overnight stays in hotels, apartments, and similar accommodations, is designed to support the city’s infrastructure and sustainability projects. Children under 16 are exempt from the tax.

Venice will continue its experimental access fee for day-trippers. Starting in April 2026, a fee ranging from €5 to €10 will be charged to visitors during peak hours, particularly from April 3 to July 26. The aim of this fee is to control overcrowding and raise funds for the maintenance of Venice’s historic sites. Overnight guests are exempt from this fee, and it will be collected online through a QR code system.

Amsterdam will see its tourist tax remain at 12.5% of the overnight rate. However, due to a rise in national VAT on accommodations, the total effective tax will increase significantly to around 33.5%. The new VAT rate, which jumps from 9% to 21%, will come into effect in January 2026. Additionally, a €14.50 day-tripper tax will be levied on cruise passengers. These changes aim to fund city services and help manage overtourism in popular areas.

Kyoto is introducing a tiered accommodation tax in March 2026, which will be scaled based on the price of the room. For example, guests staying in more affordable accommodations (below ¥6,000 per night) will pay a tax of ¥200, while those staying in luxury properties (above ¥100,000 per night) will face a ¥10,000 tax. This new tax structure is designed to raise funds for anti-overtourism measures, transport improvements, and cultural site preservation. The tax will apply to all visitors except school groups.

In Hawaii, a new “Green Fee” will raise the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) by 0.75% to 11% starting January 1, 2026. The total tax burden, including other state and county taxes, will be approximately 19%. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to raise about $100 million annually to fund climate resilience projects, wildfire recovery, and ecosystem restoration across the state.

Greece is also introducing cruise passenger disembarkation fees in several of its popular islands, including Santorini and Mykonos. For the 2026 season, a €20 fee will be levied on passengers disembarking at these islands during the peak summer months (July–September), with reduced fees for the shoulder and off-peak seasons. The fees are aimed at reducing overtourism and protecting the islands’ ecosystems.

Why Are These Taxes Being Implemented?
The rise in tourism taxes is largely driven by the need to address the negative effects of mass tourism, including overcrowding, environmental degradation, and the strain on local infrastructure. Many of these taxes will directly fund projects that help preserve the cultural and natural heritage of these destinations, while also ensuring that the tourism industry remains sustainable and economically beneficial for local communities.

When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The majority of the tourism tax increases will come into effect in 2026. Specific dates vary by destination, but most tax hikes and new fees are expected to be rolled out by January or April 2026. For example, Venice’s day-trip access fee will begin in April 2026, while Amsterdam’s VAT increase will take effect in January 2026. Other destinations, such as Hawaii and Kyoto, will implement their changes at the start of the year.

How Will These Taxes Be Collected?
In most cases, the taxes will be collected by accommodation providers or cruise operators. For example, in Barcelona, the municipal surcharge will be added to hotel bills, while in Venice, the access fee will be paid online via an official portal. These funds will be managed by local governments, which will allocate the revenue to various environmental and infrastructural projects.

The Rise of Sustainable Tourism
As travel continues to recover and tourism numbers rise, destinations are finding innovative ways to balance visitor numbers with the preservation of their unique environments and cultures. The introduction and increase of tourism taxes are part of a broader trend toward sustainable tourism, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared while minimizing its environmental impact. Travelers planning to visit these destinations in 2026 should stay informed about the new fees to be aware of changes to their travel budgets.

As we look toward 2026, the message is clear: responsible tourism is the way forward. These taxes reflect the growing awareness of the need for sustainability and infrastructure development, which will help ensure these iconic destinations continue to thrive for years to come.