It is always important to be prepared and knowledgeable when it comes to travel expenses in order to ensure that you don’t face any unexpected costs and can stay on budget. While tourist tax should not be a large expense, it is important to be familiar with the concept of tourist tax while on vacation in Italy. So, we’re here to introduce you to tourist tax, answer some key questions, and give you a guide to some of the kinds rates that you can expect to pay it you book a holiday rental in Italy…
What is tourist tax?
Across the world, it has not been uncommon for different tourist destinations to charge a tourist tax of their visitors in order to support the local economy and infrastructure and to ensure the continued preservation of destinations as well as the maintenance of services that tourists require. It is usually not a large amount of money and is charged per person per night with varying prices depending on the type of accommodation that you book and other factors including the time of the year.
Why has tourist tax been in the news recently?
With an increase in some instances of misbehaviour amongst visitors in recent years, a bounce back in large numbers of travellers post-Pandemic, and in an attempt to better meet sustainability goals, some cities have chosen to increase their tourist tax.
Venice, meanwhile, has introduced a new access tax of €5 (£4.30, $5.40) upon entering the city, applicable on certain days during high season and specifically for day-trippers rather than overnight visitors. This is in response to the large influx of day visitors who arrive on cruises and descend upon the city in large numbers as well as other incidents related to visitors in the city. Those who book a vacation rental in Venice with us and decide to spend their whole trip in the city will need to pay the regular tourist tax for the city but will not need to worry about this additional charge.
Are children charged for tourist tax?
Up until a certain age (this will vary from place to place but is often between the ages of ten and fourteen), you do not usually have to pay tourist tax for children in your party.
Are any other visitors exempt from tourist tax?
Disabled tourists and a person who is accompanying them can be granted exemptions from paying the tourist tax upon presentation of a medical certificate. The specifics of which conditions are applicable can vary from region to region.
When do you pay?
Usually upon checking out, most owners or property managers will collect the tourist tax from guests that have been staying at one of our holiday rentals in Italy.
What happens if you do not pay/pay incorrectly?
Local authorities follow up to ensure tourist tax is paid correctly and you will not be able to go without paying. Penalties including paying double the required tax can be placed upon those who attempt to pay incorrectly or to go without paying at all.
What kind of rates of tourist can you expect if you book a villa in Italy?
Generally, the rate of tourist tax varies from €1 to €5 per day per person. Rome’s rates are between €3 to €7 and Milan’s are from €2 to €5. The cities with the largest charges, from most to least, are Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan but, as noted, these are generally nominal.
So, if you are considering one of our villas in Italy and are planning your trip, this is just one more thing to be prepared for though it shouldn’t be a major concern!
