The Future of Tourism: Tourist Taxes Are Increasing Worldwide

Published on December 30, 2025

As we move closer to the year 2026, one of the trends that have become evident in the world of tourism is the rise in taxes levied on tourists. Whether in the Asian or European continents, taxes have been increasing to fund infrastructure, the preservation of the local environment, and the problem of overtourism in many of the visited locations. Even though the taxes aim to facilitate sustainability and relieve the pressure associated with visited locations, they will end up increasing the cost of traveling.

A Global Trend: Rising Tourist Taxes

From Edinburgh to Kyoto, Barcelona to Bangkok, governments are implementing new fees on tourists to address the growing pressures of mass tourism. With overcrowding, rising prices, and environmental concerns, many of the world’s most popular destinations are turning to taxes as a solution to these challenges. These additional costs are aimed at managing overcrowding, improving public infrastructure, and ensuring that tourism remains a sustainable and beneficial force for both visitors and locals.

As these taxes begin to take effect in 2026, travelers will need to adapt to a new reality where the cost of travel includes not only airfare and hotel rates but also a variety of additional charges meant to safeguard the destinations they visit.

Edinburgh’s First Tourist Tax: A Step Toward Preservation

Scotland is introducing its first-ever tourist tax in Edinburgh, one of the most visited cities in the UK. Starting on July 24, 2026, visitors will pay a 5% tax on their accommodation costs for stays of up to five nights. The move is designed to help preserve Edinburgh’s historic core and manage the influx of tourists during major summer events, such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe.

The city expects the tax to generate up to £50 million annually by 2029, which will be used to maintain the city’s infrastructure, preserve its cultural landmarks, and manage tourism more sustainably. This makes Edinburgh the latest in a growing number of European cities that have introduced similar fees.

Kyoto’s New Fees Target High-End Travelers

In Japan, the city of Kyoto, known for its temples, gardens, and traditional cultural heritage, is also increasing its accommodation taxes. Starting on March 1, 2026, the city will impose higher taxes on luxury accommodations, with nightly fees ranging from 200 yen for budget options to 10,000 yen for five-star hotels and high-end properties. This tax is expected to generate significant revenue, aimed at preserving Kyoto’s historic districts and improving public services, which are often stretched by the city’s increasing number of visitors.

Additionally, Japan is considering a broader increase in its national departure tax, which could triple the current fee for outbound travelers. This move highlights Japan’s commitment to using tourism revenues to protect its cultural heritage while maintaining its status as a top destination.

Barcelona and Southern Europe Tighten the Tourism Squeeze

Barcelona, a focal point of Europe’s anti-overtourism movement, is also taking steps to raise its tourist tax. The city plans to double its nightly accommodation tax for luxury properties, setting the new rate at €7 per night for guests staying in five-star hotels and high-end apartments. This increase, which will be implemented by April 2026, is aimed at managing overcrowding and addressing the strain that mass tourism places on local communities.

In addition, other Southern European destinations are following suit. Venice has expanded its entry fee for day-trippers, and Greece is preparing to implement new taxes for cruise passengers visiting popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Cities like Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, and Marseille and Nice in France, are also increasing their tourist taxes, signaling a broader regional trend of raising fees to fund sustainability initiatives.

Thailand Moves Closer to Implementing an Entry Tax

Thailand, long known for its affordability as a travel destination, is preparing to introduce a long-awaited tourist entry tax in mid-2026. Under the proposed plan, visitors arriving by air will pay a 300-baht fee (approximately $10), while those arriving by land or sea will pay half of that amount. The tax has been delayed several times due to concerns about declining visitor numbers, but officials argue that it is necessary to fund infrastructure improvements and tourism-related insurance programs.

This tax marks a shift for Thailand, which has historically been one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Asia. As the country recovers from the pandemic, the tax will help ensure that the tourism industry remains sustainable and benefits both tourists and local communities.

Norway’s New Local Tax Initiative

Norway is also embracing the trend of raising tourism taxes. Starting in 2026, the country will allow municipalities to impose a 3% tax on tourist accommodation, including hotels and cruise passengers. Popular tourist cities such as Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands have already opted into the scheme. This measure follows a record tourism season in 2025, with nearly 18 million overnight stays, highlighting the growing pressures on local communities and environments.

The United States and Green Tourism Taxes

The United States is not immune to the rising trend of tourist taxes. Several states and cities are introducing new taxes, especially in preparation for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Washington State, for example, has implemented a new tourism levy to fund infrastructure projects. Hawaii has gone a step further by introducing a “green tax,” which raises the transient accommodations tax to support climate resilience and environmental protection initiatives. The state is also set to implement a cruise passenger tax, further contributing to the push for sustainable tourism practices.

Why Are Tourist Taxes on the Rise?

The rise in tourist taxes is not just about generating revenue—it is part of a larger strategy to make tourism more sustainable. These taxes help destinations manage the environmental and social impact of tourism while ensuring that the benefits of travel are more equitably distributed. The funds generated from these taxes are often used to improve public transportation, waste management, heritage preservation, and environmental conservation efforts, all of which contribute to a better tourism experience for both visitors and locals.

For travelers, the impact of these taxes will vary depending on the destination, but the cumulative effect could mean a higher cost of travel, particularly for long-term stays or multi-country trips. However, the goal of these taxes is to create a more sustainable, responsible tourism industry that balances the needs of tourists with the preservation of local cultures and environments.

The Future of Travel: A More Sustainable Approach

With the evolving nature of the tourism sector, it is worth noting that increasing tourist taxes show a shift in the global focus to sustainable and responsible tourism. Mass tourism, though it will still exist, will cease to be a driving force in global tourism. The new trend in tourism will be specialist and meaningful travel.