Due to the strong tourist interest and demand, destinations in Europe have imposed a similar tourist tax, such as in Venice, Lake Como, Brussels and some parts of Japan. In May 2024, it was announced to the BBC that Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole would be introducing a similar levy for tourists and visitors for UK. The new fee, which came into place on Monday, July 1, 2024, will be priced at £2 ($2.63) per room per night, according to Conde Nast Traveler.
In August 2024, Edinburgh’s city council announced that it would become the first city in Scotland to introduce a tourist tax, per a BBC News report. The plan has been in the making for some time, but the launch date was pushed back to prioritize getting businesses back on track after the pandemic. The tax will be rolled out in time for the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and will involve travelers paying an extra 5% of accommodation costs to the council.
Indeed, while it is not applicable to the whole area and is just an admission fee for the attraction itself, Brighton Pier is now charging visitors £1 ($1.32) to walk along the historic landmark. Although local residents and children under the age of two will be exempt, the millions of guests that flock to the East Sussex seaside resort each year will be expected to pay.
In addition to preserving the local community and its tourism services, the funds will be used to sustain and develop events which should in turn attract more visitors.
