5 European cities that will become profitable for tourists

Several European cities choose an entrance tax to filter the influx of visitors and limit the number of people in the cities.

1. Venice

Venice, this city made for lovers, where legend says that love always lasts when you set foot there. To fight mass tourism that disrupts the serenity of Venetians, the Italian municipality decided to introduce a tax for all tourists who want to enter the city. Known for its canals and unique architecture, Venice has announced that it will introduce an entrance tax for daily visitors. This varies according to the periods and months of the year. At the moment it is only a trial phase, which will take effect from May, June and July 2024. Visitors will have to pay 5 euros to enter the city between 8:30 and 16:00.

View of the Vetrai canal in Murano on December 19, 2023 in Venice, Italy. This year the Christmas lights in Saint Mark’s Square were created by master glassmakers from Murano in collaboration with international designers and artists.

©Simone Padovani/Getty Images

2. Barcelona

Located in the north of Spain, very close to the south of France and bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, this city is invaded by tourists when the sun arrives. Every summer, the beaches are particularly crowded, soon deteriorating the cleanliness of the city. Spain has decided to implement a tax aimed at reducing the number of tourists every year. From April 2024, Barcelona’s tourist tax has increased. Visitors will pay a city surcharge of 3.25 euros per night in addition to the regional tax. The total tax amount varies according to the type of accommodation, with five-star hotels paying up to 6.75 euros per night in total.

Barcelona.  Catalonia.  Victory Arch.

Barcelona. Catalonia. Victory Arch.

©Xavi Gomez/Getty Images

3. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela plans to implement financial taxation for all hotels and accommodation, with a compensation of between €0.50 and €2.50 per tourist.

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