Japan Unites with Norway, Italy, Spain, Thailand, and Scotland to Introduce New Tourist Taxes to Tackle Overtourism and Make Sustainability the New Norm of Travel in 2026

Published on December 5, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

In 2026, Japan unites with Norway, Italy, Spain, and Scotland to introduce new tourist taxes—Japan’s tiered hotel tax ranging from ¥200 to ¥10,000—to tackle overtourism and fund sustainability initiatives, ensuring the preservation of cultural and natural landmarks. These measures aim to curb the negative impact of mass tourism on fragile environments and local communities, with funds earmarked for conservation, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation. As sustainability becomes the new norm in travel, these countries are setting a global example by prioritizing long-term protection of their most cherished destinations.

From Japan’s tiered hotel tax aimed at preserving Kyoto’s cultural heritage to Thailand’s new entry fee that will fund tourism safety, these countries are making sustainability the new norm in travel. As governments work to balance economic growth with environmental preservation, these new taxes will enable destinations to fund vital infrastructure projects, conserve natural landscapes, and safeguard cultural sites for future generations. With these measures in place, responsible tourism is becoming a global priority, ensuring that travellers contribute to the places they visit and help maintain the world’s most beloved destinations.

Japan’s New Hotel Tax to Fund Cultural Preservation

Starting March 2026, Japan will introduce a tiered hotel tax in Kyoto aimed at combating overtourism. The tax, which will range from ¥200 (1.29 USD) for budget stays to ¥10,000 (64.53 USD) for luxury accommodations, will help fund cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and public infrastructure improvements. This initiative is designed to protect Kyoto’s historic sites, including its renowned temples and gardens, which face growing pressures from mass tourism.

The tax will generate approximately ¥12.6 billion (81.3 Million USD) annually, with the funds directed toward conserving Kyoto’s cultural treasures and improving transportation networks. Visitors to Mount Fuji will also contribute to a conservation fund aimed at protecting the area’s environment from tourism’s ecological impact.

A Step Towards Sustainable Travel

Japan’s new hotel tax is part of a broader effort to ensure that tourism benefits local communities without compromising the environment or cultural heritage. The country is taking action against overtourism, investing in sustainable tourism initiatives, and promoting responsible travel practices. The additional cost for travellers will support the preservation of Japan’s most iconic and delicate sites, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

Thailand’s New Entry Fee to Fund Tourism Safety and Conservation

Starting in February 2026, Thailand will introduce a 300-baht (9.37 USD) tourism entry fee for all international visitors under the Kha Yeap Pan Din or “stepping onto Thai soil” scheme. The fee will be collected by airlines and border authorities as part of the country’s efforts to curb overtourism and preserve its natural and cultural heritage.

This new levy will help fund essential services, including medical insurance and tourism safety initiatives for visitors. Thailand, a country renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and ancient temples, has been grappling with the negative effects of mass tourism, such as environmental degradation and overcrowding at popular tourist sites.

How the Fee Will Impact Travellers

While the entry fee may add a small additional cost to your trip, it is designed to ensure the sustainability of Thailand’s tourism industry. The funds raised will be reinvested into preserving Thailand’s natural beauty, enhancing visitor experiences, and improving infrastructure for both tourists and locals. Frequent travellers and work visa holders may be exempt from the fee, providing a more accessible option for those who visit the country regularly.

By introducing this fee, Thailand is taking a proactive stance to protect its heritage and ensure that tourism contributes positively to its economy and local communities.

Venice Introduces Higher Day-Tripper Tax to Combat Overtourism

Starting 2026, Venice will double its day-tripper tax, charging €10 (11.66 USD) for reservations made within three days of arrival, up from the previous €5 fee. This tax will apply on 54 high-traffic days between April and July, targeting the thousands of tourists who visit Venice as a day trip, often contributing to overcrowding and strain on the city’s infrastructure.

This new tax is part of Venice’s ongoing efforts to fight overtourism and preserve its delicate historical and cultural landmarks, including its famous canals, St. Mark’s Square, and the Rialto Bridge. The tax aims to balance tourism flow and reduce the environmental and social pressures of mass visitation, ensuring that the city can remain a viable destination for future generations.

Online Registration and QR Code Requirement

Visitors will now be required to register online and carry a QR code for entry. This measure is designed to help regulate tourist numbers more effectively and ensure that visitors contribute fairly to the city’s upkeep. The funds raised through this tax will go towards infrastructure maintenance, conservation efforts, and improving local services to ensure Venice’s continued appeal and preservation.

Spain Expands Regional and City Tourism Taxes to Promote Sustainability

Starting in 2026, Spain will be expanding its regional and city tourism taxes, especially in popular tourist regions like Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Currently, a fee of €4 (4.66 USD) per night is charged, but this is expected to rise, potentially exceeding $ 11.14 by 2029. The revenue generated from these taxes will support environmental conservation and heritage restoration projects, ensuring the preservation of Spain’s iconic landmarks, beaches, and landscapes.

As one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, Spain faces the challenge of balancing tourism with environmental sustainability. The increase in the tourism tax will allow local governments to fund initiatives that reduce the ecological impact of tourism and improve the overall quality of life for both visitors and residents.

A Sustainable Path Forward for Spanish Tourism

The tax will be collected from both hotel stays and short-term rentals, with the aim of supporting the restoration of historic sites, promoting sustainable travel initiatives, and enhancing infrastructure. In popular tourist areas like Barcelona, Ibiza, and Mallorca, the funds will be crucial in protecting Spain’s natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that it remains accessible for future generations.

Norway Implements Municipal Tourism Levy to Preserve Natural Wonders

Starting in Summer 2026, Norway will introduce a 3% municipal tourism tax on overnight stays and cruise visits in select regions, including Bergen, Geiranger, and Tromsø. This levy will be applied to high-impact tourist zones, where the environmental and social strain from tourism has been most noticeable.

The funds generated from this tax will be used to support the maintenance of public infrastructure, such as hiking trails, public toilets, and the upkeep of other amenities in these natural wonders. The tax is part of Norway’s broader strategy to ensure that its stunning landscapes—such as the fjords and Arctic tundra—remain pristine and accessible for years to come.

Protecting Norway’s Pristine Environments

Norway has long been a leader in sustainable tourism, with its breathtaking scenery drawing millions of visitors each year. The new tourism levy will help the government manage the increased demand on natural resources, mitigate the negative effects of overtourism, and promote eco-friendly travel practices.

By introducing this tax, Norway aims to safeguard its wildlife, landscapes, and local communities, ensuring that future generations of travellers can enjoy the same unspoiled beauty that makes the country so unique.

Scotland Introduces UK’s First Tourism Tax in Edinburgh to Support Local Communities

Starting July 2026, Edinburgh will become the first city in the UK to introduce a tourism tax, charging visitors 5% of their room rate for up to five nights of stay. The tax is aimed at supporting local communities, funding cultural festivals, and maintaining essential infrastructure that often bears the brunt of tourism’s impact.

As one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, Edinburgh attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn to its historic sites, festivals, and scenic views. However, with rising tourist numbers, the city has faced challenges in balancing its growth with the well-being of its residents. The new tourism tax is designed to ensure that visitors contribute to the maintenance of the city’s charm and heritage.

Supporting Sustainability and Local Culture

The revenue from the tax will be directed towards enhancing the city’s cultural offerings, including its famous festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival. It will also support the city’s transportation systems and help ensure that the urban environment remains welcoming and sustainable for both residents and tourists alike.

By introducing this tax, Scotland is setting a precedent for other UK cities to follow, promoting a model of responsible tourism that benefits everyone, from the local population to the visitors themselves.

In 2026, Japan unites with Norway, Italy, Spain, and Scotland to introduce new tourist taxes, including Japan’s tiered hotel tax from ¥200 to ¥10,000, to combat overtourism and fund sustainability efforts, ensuring the preservation of cultural and natural landmarks for future generations.

As global tourism continues to grow, these new tourist taxes in Japan, Norway, Italy, Spain, Thailand, and Scotland mark a critical step toward balancing the benefits of tourism with the need for sustainable practices. By investing in conservation and infrastructure, these countries are taking proactive measures to preserve their cultural and natural heritage while ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for local communities and the environment. As sustainability becomes the new norm, these initiatives pave the way for a future where travelers contribute to the protection and preservation of the world’s most cherished destinations, enabling future generations to experience the beauty and history these places have to offer.