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POLL: Would you still visit Italy if it introduced a £20 tourist tax? Vote now


Several Italian cities have already brought in measures to curb overtourism and its negative effects, including congestion and rocketing housing prices. Now, the country is considering enforcing a new £20 tourist tax on top of the regulations already in place.

Politicians are reportedly hoping the tax would deter the crowds of tourists from flocking to popular hotspots.

This includes Italy’s most popular cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice.

The move would also help boost the finances of local councils.

Visitors planning a stay in some of the Mediterranean country’s most expensive hotels could be asked to pay up to €25 (£20) per night.

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The new fee would be on top of already-existing tourist taxes most big cities require overnight tourists to pay. Venice charges day-trippers £4.21, while the tourist tax for those staying overnight depends on various factors.

Authorities could use the extra cash to improve the quality of services to address growing demand while also safeguarding the cities.

It comes as massive overtourism protests have erupted in many popular European holiday hotspots this summer.

Locals have become angry by the lack of affordable housing as they say realtors buy up properties and rent them as Airbnbs or second homes for tourists.

This, in turn, has priced out many locals with many event deciding to pack up and move, leaving places such as Majorca with major staff shortages.

Confindustria Alberghi president Maria Carmelo Calaiacovo insisted measures to control the influx of tourists are important but should not impact the competitiveness of Italy’s tourism sector.

Ms Colaiacovo said last month: “The sector is making an important contribution to the country’s economy, especially with the growth of international travellers, after the difficult years of Covid.

“But foreign competition is strong and fierce, we need careful policies that do not compromise the competitiveness of our businesses and our destinations. We cannot be a mere ATM for municipalities.”

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