Norway is set to become the latest European destination to introduce a tourist tax to combat concerns about the growing number of visitors. The EU Framework Convention on extracts and transfers of property,which was effective in 2019,has been modified to address concerns about “overtourism”—trips that裹 up people with noise and bulky baggage. By law, municipalities around Europe, including Norway, will now be allowed to impose taxes on overnight stays in areas particularly affected by tourism. On Thursday, lawmakers in Norway approved a 3% tax on such stays, which will be collected by local authorities and applied to all visitors, with the option to adjust the rate based on the season. This revenue will be used to improve infrastructure projects that benefit both visitors and local residents, such asCheckingrigues, car parks, and toll roads.
The tax will also apply to cruise ships that make stops in areas with high tourist activity, such as the North Norway islands. Norway, the second-largest country by population, is expected to continue its tourism boom despite the increasing numbers. Last year saw a record number of accommodations booked, with 38.6 million tourists booking properties, an increase of 4.2% from 2023. However, some destinations, like the Lofoten islands, have overwhelmed their guest expectations, with 12 million foreign guests booking overnight stays—a 4.8% rise from 2023. Local residents in Norway are struggling to keep up with the demand for infrastructure projects, which include public toilets, car parks, and road connections. In some cases, visitors have reported informal toilet facilities on their holdings, and traffic on busy roads has become aתה of the entertainment industry, driving away regular visitors. A survey by the industry body Norwegian Tourism Partners found that 77% of people in Tromsø, a northern city in Norway, believe there are too many tourists there.
