Friday, March 21, 2025 Tourist taxes are no longer a regional experiment—they’re becoming the global standard. Now, the UK is set to join countries like Thailand, France, New Zealand, Portugal, Japan, Spain, Germany, Indonesia, Greece, the Netherlands, and Italy in charging visitors to fund infrastructure, protect local environments, and ease the pressures of overtourism. With London proposing a 5% hotel levy, Britain is aligning itself with a worldwide shift toward more sustainable, accountable tourism policy.
Tourists planning a visit to London may soon find a new fee added to their hotel bills. British officials estimate that a 5% tourist tax could generate €285 million annually, positioning the UK to join an expanding list of nations turning to visitor levies as a solution to the challenges of mass tourism. From the canals of Amsterdam to the beaches of Bali, countries around the world are implementing or expanding tourist taxes to manage overtourism, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable travel.
Now, London—the most visited city in the UK—is considering adding its name to this growing list. London’s Potential Entry into the Tourist Tax Club At a recent Mayor’s Question Time, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed support for introducing a tax on overnight visitors to the capital. While the details are still in discussion, estimates suggest a 5% charge on accommodation could bring in nearly £240 million (€285 million) annually.
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