Summary
Amsterdam’s Tourist Tax Increase
Amsterdam will increase its city tourist tax next year, solidifying its status as the city with the highest tourist tax in Europe. The tax will rise to 12.5 percent in 2024, according to the city, which approved the measure recently. This change will apply to travelers staying overnight or those visiting via cruise ships.
Impact on Travelers
Travelers to Amsterdam can expect to pay an average tax of €21.80 ($22.91) per night, factoring in an average room rate of €175 ($183.90). This signifies an increase from the previous average tax of €15.25 ($16.03) per night. Additionally, the tax for cruise passengers will also rise from €8 ($8.41) to €11 ($11.56) per person, per day.
Purpose of the Tax
Hester van Buren, the deputy mayor for finance, stated that “visitors will thus help to pay for the City to carry out its tasks.” This decision aims to address the consequences of overtourism and allocate additional resources to maintain clean streets and resolve pressing issues in neighborhoods.
The city’s statement clarified that the tourist tax will be raised further to ensure that visitors contribute more significantly to Amsterdam. Consequently, this initiative will assist in alleviating overtourism pressures and prevent increasing costs for local residents.
Comparative Rates Globally
With the impending increase, Amsterdam is set to have the highest tourist tax in the European Union, according to DutchNews. Moreover, it ranks as the fourth highest globally, as noted by Van Buren.
However, some cities worldwide have even higher taxes. For instance, Honolulu imposes a 10.25 percent Hawaiian “transient accommodations tax” along with an extra 3 percent city-based surcharge.
Furthermore, other destinations are exploring similar financial measures. For example, Iceland is planning to implement a new tax for tourists to bolster its climate and sustainability objectives, while Venice intends to introduce a fee for day visitors next year, supplementing its existing tax for overnight guests.
