Published on
December 26, 2025
Starting in 2026, Edinburgh will implement higher tourism taxes, joining other global destinations like Barcelona and Kyoto. This decision comes as these cities struggle to balance the benefits of tourism with the challenges it brings, such as overcrowding and strain on local infrastructure. The increased taxes will help fund critical services, including city maintenance, environmental protection, and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and does not negatively impact residents or visitors.
As global tourism continues to expand, so too does the financial burden on both tourists and the destinations they visit. To manage the rising pressures of overcrowding, fund local services, and protect natural resources, many popular tourist hotspots are introducing or increasing tourism taxes. These taxes, whether in the form of entry fees or surcharges on accommodation, have become a common tool for handling the impacts of overtourism. In 2026, travelers will likely face higher costs in several popular destinations, making their vacations a bit more expensive than in previous years. Here are five places where tourism taxes are set to rise or be implemented in 2026.
Edinburgh: A New Tourism Tax on Hotel Stays
Edinburgh, Scotland’s cultural capital, will introduce a 5% tourism tax on hotel stays starting July 24, 2026. This charge will apply to the first five nights of a tourist’s stay and is expected to generate up to £50 million annually by 2029. The funds raised will be directed toward enhancing city infrastructure and managing the influx of visitors, particularly during the busy summer festival season. Edinburgh’s famous festivals, such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, draw millions of tourists every year, and the new levy aims to ensure the city can handle the growing demand while preserving its cultural heritage.
Kyoto: Higher Taxes for Overnight Stays
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient city known for its temples and stunning cherry blossoms, will increase its overnight stay tax beginning March 1, 2026. The tax will vary depending on the price of the accommodation. Rooms priced under 6,000 yen (about $38) will continue to be taxed at 200 yen ($1.28). However, the tax on mid-range rooms between 6,000 and 20,000 yen will increase to 400 yen ($2.56). Luxury accommodations will face the steepest increases, with taxes on rooms costing 50,000 to 100,000 yen jumping from 1,000 yen to 4,000 yen, while rooms over 100,000 yen will see the tax rise to 10,000 yen. This revised tax is expected to generate about 12.6 billion yen ($81 million) annually, helping to manage the growing number of tourists while preserving Kyoto’s historical sites.
Barcelona: Doubling of the Luxury Hotel Tax
Barcelona, one of the most visited cities in Europe, is set to double its tourism tax on luxury accommodations. The current regional tax of 3.50 euros per night for five-star hotels will rise to 7 euros per night starting in April 2026. Originally planned for 2025, this increase has been delayed until 2026. Barcelona’s unique architecture, beaches, and vibrant culture make it a top destination, but the city has faced growing opposition to overtourism, with protests against the negative impacts of tourism on local communities. This increased tax aims to help manage the city’s tourism-related challenges and ensure that visitors contribute to the maintenance of local infrastructure.
Thailand: New Entry Fee for Tourists
Thailand is preparing to introduce a 300 baht ($10) entry fee for tourists arriving by air, with a reduced fee of 150 baht ($5) for those arriving by land or sea. Initially set to take effect in 2025, the fee has been delayed but is now expected to be introduced by mid-2026. The revenue from this fee will help support Thailand’s vital tourism infrastructure, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy. Despite a slight decline in tourism in 2025, Thailand remains one of the top destinations in Asia, with millions of visitors attracted to its temples, islands, and unique cultural experiences.
Norway: Introducing a 3% Tax on Accommodation
Norway will roll out a 3% tourism tax on accommodations in 2026, applying to both hotel stays and cruises. This tax will not automatically be implemented across all municipalities, but cities experiencing significant tourism pressure, such as Tromsø and Lofoten (known for their breathtaking northern lights), have opted to apply the levy. The tax comes after a record-breaking summer in 2025, when Norway recorded a total of 17.7 million guest nights. The new tax aims to help manage the strain on local infrastructure and the environment caused by an increasing number of tourists.
Edinburgh is joining Barcelona, Kyoto, and more in raising tourism taxes for 2026 to manage overtourism and fund essential local services, ensuring sustainable tourism.
With these new or increased tourism taxes, travelers in 2026 will need to factor in additional costs when planning their trips. Whether through higher accommodation taxes or entry fees, these measures reflect an effort by destinations to balance the benefits of tourism with the need to preserve the local environment and ensure long-term sustainability. As tourism continues to rise, travelers should prepare for these changes and adjust their budgets accordingly.
