The constant drip-drip-drip of added fees is speeding up a bit for travelers to at least three more countries, with new taxes or steep increases slated for visitors to France, Iceland and Belgium.
In Paris, Valerie Pecresse, head of the Paris region, announced agreement with the central government to allow a 200% increase in the nightly rate charged in the region, starting in January, well ahead of the expected rush of Olympic visitors. Each commune in the region, including Paris, will decide whether to go for the maximum. Currently tax rates in Paris range from €.25 for simple campsites up to €5 per night per person at top-rated hotels and palaces.
Iceland is also planning a next-year tax, saying that the money is needed to help protect its environment in the face of constantly-rising tourism numbers, which hit 1.7 million last year. Iceland previously had a tax on accommodations that was suspended during the pandemic; it will now re-impose that tax, possibly at a higher rate, and impose it on cruise-ship visitors as well.
Belgium’s possible entry in the tax sweepstakes focuses on flights rather than nights, with proposals by several parties of added air travel taxes to help balance the budget. There’s presently a €10 tax on short-flight tickets, intended in part to encourage other means of travel. The proposal would charge €10 to €50 on economy class tickets depending on length of flight; business class would go for €20 to €100 and first class and private jets would be taxed between €100 and €500 per passenger. It’s not yet clear whether this proposal is likely to be passed.
