Tensions are rising in the Canary Islands as locals express anti-tourism sentiments, prompting discussions about implementing a tourist tax specifically targeting UK travelers.

Recent protests in Tenerife have seen graffiti urging UK tourists to leave, reflecting concerns among residents about rising prices and the strain of overtourism on the island. In response, British visitors have been warned that they might face a new tourist tax as authorities seek to manage the influx of tourists to the popular destination.

The proposed tax, potentially effective from January 2025, would target tourists visiting specific attractions rather than applying to the entire island.

While Tenerife considers this measure, it's worth noting that numerous other destinations worldwide already impose tourist taxes upon entry. Here's a look at some of them:

Spain:

Barcelona: Tourists are required to pay a nightly tax of 3.25 euros (£2.75).

Catalonia: A tourist tax applies across the wider Catalonia region, with charges varying based on accommodation type.

Italy:

Various cities in Italy levy a tourist tax, typically added to hotel bills as a nightly fee.

Portugal:

Popular destinations like Lisbon and Porto charge a tourist tax of two euros (£1.69) per night.

The Netherlands:

Amsterdam has one of the highest tourist taxes globally, amounting to 12.5% of the accommodation cost.

France:

Tourist taxes in France vary by location and accommodation type, with Paris recently increasing rates, especially for luxury accommodations.

Germany:

Berlin and Cologne impose a tourist tax equivalent to 7.5% of the accommodation cost.

Greece:

Greece has introduced a resilience fee tied to accommodation type and season, responding to the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Photo by Lmbuga (Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez), Wikimedia commons.