Moore County Joins San Diego, Eagle, Saratoga, Los Angeles, Miami-Dade and More US Counties Increasing Tourism Tax to Transform American Travel Sector and Supercharge Employment in 2026, New Update is Here

Published on December 5, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In 2026, Moore County joins San Diego, Eagle County, Saratoga County, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami-Dade, and more U.S. counties in increasing tourism taxes, making a bold move to transform the American travel sector. These counties are implementing higher tourism taxes, with the aim of boosting local economies and supercharging employment in the region.

From the sun-soaked beaches of California to the ski resorts of Colorado, tourists will now face higher taxes, which will undoubtedly affect their travel budgets. Moore County’s tax hike, along with those of San Diego, Eagle County, and other major destinations, is set to shake up the tourism landscape.

As more counties follow suit, this widespread increase in tourism tax will not only reshape how travellers plan their trips but also provide much-needed revenue to fuel local development and create jobs. Stay tuned as we dive into the full impact of these tax hikes across the U.S. tourism market.

The tourism landscape in the United States is on the brink of a major transformation. In 2026, several US counties have announced substantial increases in tourism taxes, including room occupancy taxes, lodging taxes, and transient occupancy taxes. These hikes are expected to dramatically affect the cost of your next vacation. From sunny beaches in California to the ski slopes of Colorado, if you’re planning to travel, brace yourself for what could be a more expensive getaway. Here’s a county-by-county breakdown of the tourism tax hikes that will impact your pocket in 2026.

Moore County, North Carolina: Room Occupancy Tax Surges to 6%

Moore County in North Carolina, home to the renowned Pinehurst Resort and charming small towns, is increasing its room occupancy tax by a staggering 3%. The tax rate will go up from 3% to 6%, effective from January 2026. This is a significant shift for a county that has relied heavily on tourism in recent years.

For tourists flocking to Pinehurst for golf and other leisure activities, this tax hike could mean higher accommodation costs. Visitors who typically stay for a few nights at local resorts will find that the price for their stay could increase significantly, directly impacting families, business travellers, and retirees visiting the area. The local government is using the additional revenue to fund further tourism and infrastructure development in the region. But for visitors, this will add an unexpected cost to their holiday budgets.

San Diego, California: Transient Occupancy Tax Hits an All-Time High

San Diego, known for its endless sunshine, stunning beaches, and cultural attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, is increasing its transient occupancy tax (TOT) by 3% in 2026. This increase will bring the TOT rate from 10.5% to a new high of 13.75% in certain districts.

Tourists staying in high-end hotels near the beach, Old Town, or the Gaslamp Quarter will feel the impact immediately. For a family booking a stay in a San Diego hotel, the increased tax could add hundreds of dollars to the total cost of the vacation. This increase in tourism tax is part of a broader strategy to improve local infrastructure, especially around high-traffic tourist areas. As a result, travellers planning a trip to San Diego should expect a bump in their accommodation costs, particularly during peak holiday seasons.

Eagle County, Colorado: A Massive Tax Doubling for Skiers and Snowboarders

Skiing enthusiasts, rejoice! Eagle County, home to Vail, Beaver Creek, and other world-class ski resorts, is doubling its room occupancy tax from 2% to 4%. This move is set to take effect in 2026, targeting tourists visiting during the winter months for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor adventures.

For travellers planning to stay at the luxurious resorts in Vail or enjoy the stunning mountain views from a cozy lodge, the increased taxes will make your ski trip more expensive. Ski enthusiasts are already paying top dollar for lift tickets, equipment rentals, and accommodations, but this new tax hike will make lodging costs even steeper. The county has argued that this tax hike will help fund crucial infrastructure improvements, but it’s likely to leave some visitors reconsidering their plans to hit the slopes in the future.

Saratoga County, New York: A New Tax for a Historic Destination

Saratoga County, New York, known for its iconic Saratoga Race Course and beautiful lakes, is introducing a new 3% lodging tax effective in January 2026. This move comes as part of an effort to boost revenue for the area’s growing tourism market.

Visitors planning to stay at charming B&Bs, local inns, or luxurious resorts will feel the bite of this new tax, especially during the busy summer months when tourists flock to the Saratoga Race Course for horse races. While the tax hike is expected to generate substantial revenue for local tourism development, it will also mean higher accommodation costs for those visiting the area. If you’re planning a trip to Saratoga in 2026, be prepared to pay more for your stay.

Los Angeles, California: Higher Hotel Taxes Set to Raise the Cost of Hollywood Dreams

Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, is also raising its hotel taxes in 2026. The transient occupancy tax (TOT) will rise by 2%, bringing the total to 15% on hotel stays. While LA is always a top destination for travellers seeking Hollywood glamour and sunny beach days, this tax hike means even higher prices for hotel rooms.

The tourism tax hike is expected to impact millions of visitors, with tourists planning to stay near iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and Santa Monica Pier. While the tax increase will help fund tourism infrastructure and public services, it also means that visitors should prepare for sticker shock when booking their stays. The higher taxes will undoubtedly drive up the overall cost of holidays in LA, especially during peak seasons.

Chicago, Illinois: A New Tax on Visitors Staying in the Windy City

Chicago, a city famous for its architecture, art, and history, is implementing a 4% tourism tax on hotel rooms starting in 2026. The city has been working hard to boost its tourism sector after the pandemic, but this new tax could make a trip to the Windy City a bit more expensive.

For tourists heading to Chicago to take in the city’s stunning skyline, Millennium Park, or its renowned museums, the additional tax will increase the cost of staying at one of the city’s world-class hotels. Visitors should be prepared for these extra costs when planning their travel budgets. However, Chicago officials argue that the tax will help fund public services and tourism-related projects that will make the city even more attractive to visitors in the future.

Miami, Florida: Resort Fees and Taxes on the Rise in 2026

Miami-Dade, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, is also raising its resort and hotel taxes in 2026. The city will be increasing its tourism tax rate by 1.5%, impacting everything from beachfront resorts to luxury hotels in the city’s downtown district.

The new tax increase will raise costs for tourists staying in the area, especially during peak travel seasons. Miami’s popularity as a winter escape for tourists seeking sunshine and fun means that the increased tax will likely have a significant effect on travellers’ budgets. While the extra revenue will help fund city infrastructure, visitors will feel the pinch when booking hotels and resorts for their Miami getaway.

How Will These Tourism Tax Hikes Affect Travellers?

With tourism taxes increasing across so many major U.S. cities and counties, travellers will need to adjust their expectations and budgets. Whether you’re planning to hit the slopes in Colorado, relax by the beach in California, or explore the culture of New York, you’ll have to contend with higher accommodation costs due to these tax hikes.

These tax increases are aimed at generating more revenue to fund local tourism infrastructure, but they come at a cost for tourists. The rise in lodging taxes may make many of these popular destinations less affordable for families, business travellers, and holidaymakers alike.

Should You Be Concerned About the 2026 Tourism Tax Increases?

While the rise in tourism taxes may seem overwhelming at first, it’s important to remember that these increases are generally designed to benefit the local areas in the long term. Many of the taxes will fund infrastructure projects that will make your next vacation more enjoyable, with better facilities, improved services, and enhanced tourist attractions.

However, these increases could also drive tourists away, especially those on tight budgets. As a traveller, it’s important to factor in these extra costs when planning your trips. In some cases, the additional tax could make a destination less attractive, leading you to look for alternative places to visit.

How to Prepare for the Tourism Tax Increases in 2026

If you’re planning a trip to one of the counties or cities experiencing tourism tax hikes in 2026, it’s crucial to start planning ahead. Make sure to factor in the extra taxes when budgeting for your holiday. Look for special deals, discounts, or offers that can help offset the increased costs.

Additionally, consider visiting less tourist-heavy destinations that haven’t implemented such steep tax hikes. By being strategic about your travel plans, you can still enjoy your dream vacation without breaking the bank due to higher taxes.