Published on January 1, 2026
As travel continues to rebound in 2026, many popular tourist destinations are rolling out or increasing tourist taxes to address the growing demand on their infrastructure and boost funding for their tourism sectors. While these measures are seen as a means to improve local amenities and services, they have sparked debates among travellers and business owners. Here’s a look at some of the cities and regions introducing or upping their tourist tax rates in 2026.

Los Angeles Introduces World’s Highest Tourist Tax

Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, has recently increased its tourist tax to a staggering 15.5% of the accommodation cost. With this new measure, the city’s hotel guests will be charged a significantly higher rate than most major cities worldwide, making it one of the most expensive destinations for accommodation taxes.

For example, a tourist staying in a hotel room that costs $280 a night (approximately £208) will now be charged an extra $32 per night, equating to $225 for a week-long stay. This price hike represents a notable increase in the cost of staying in Los Angeles and could potentially impact tourists’ decisions to visit. The funds generated by this tax will be directed towards enhancing the city’s tourism infrastructure and services.

Thailand’s Long-Awaited Tourist Tax Set to Launch in Mid-2026

Thailand, a major hotspot for travellers from around the globe, is finalising plans to introduce a tourist tax in mid-2026. The country, which attracts millions of visitors annually for its beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, and rich history, has been discussing the introduction of this tax for several years. The planned fee will amount to 300 Baht (around £7) for passengers arriving by air, while those arriving by sea will be charged a reduced fee of 150 Baht.

This move is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to regulate tourism and ensure that the infrastructure can cope with the increasing number of visitors. The funds raised will be earmarked for improving tourism infrastructure and enhancing the overall experience for tourists. As one of Southeast Asia’s most visited countries, Thailand’s tourist tax will likely be watched closely by other nations considering similar measures.

Bucharest’s New Tourist Tax to Boost Tourism Infrastructure

The Romanian capital, Bucharest, known for its elegant mix of historical and modern architecture, is joining the ranks of cities implementing new tourist taxes. Starting in 2026, visitors to Bucharest will be required to pay a nightly tax of 10 Romanian Leu (approximately £1.70) for their accommodation. The revenue generated will be directed towards further promoting the city as an attractive tourist destination and improving tourism-related infrastructure.

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Bucharest, often referred to as ‘Little Paris’ for its Parisian-inspired architecture, is witnessing a rise in popularity. With a growing number of visitors flocking to its iconic landmarks, the city aims to use these funds to enhance its tourism appeal, thus bolstering its position as a leading European destination.

Edinburgh’s Tourist Tax Set to Roll Out in Mid-2026

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has already made strides in tourism levies. In July 2026, the city will introduce a 5% tax on accommodation costs, which will be added either at check-in or check-out. The tax will apply only to the first five nights of a visitor’s stay and will not include any additional costs such as meals or activities.
Edinburgh, a city famed for its historic sites and vibrant festivals, will use the revenue from the tourist tax to improve the city’s infrastructure and support the development of new tourism projects. While this is a significant step towards financial sustainability for the city’s tourism sector, it remains to be seen how it will affect the visitor numbers in an increasingly competitive global travel market.

Kyoto to Increase Its Tourist Tax for 2026

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and a hub of cultural heritage, is also adjusting its tourist tax in 2026. Already in place, the tax will see an increase based on the type of accommodation booked by the visitor. For those spending less than 6,000 yen (£28) per night, the tax is modest, amounting to just 200 yen (£0.95). However, for luxury accommodations costing more than 100,000 yen (£474) per night, the tax will increase tenfold to 10,000 yen (£48) per night.
This tiered structure is designed to ensure that the city can continue to maintain its cultural sites and manage the impacts of mass tourism. The additional funds will support the preservation of Kyoto’s historic temples and shrines, which are major draws for international visitors. The city’s decision to increase its tourist tax aligns with its broader goals of balancing visitor numbers with sustainable tourism practices.

Norway Gives Local Municipalities Power to Implement Tourist Tax

Norway, known for its spectacular natural landscapes and pristine fjords, is following suit by granting local municipalities the authority to implement their own tourist taxes. The municipalities of Lofoten and Tromsø, both prime destinations for travellers seeking to view the Northern Lights, have already announced plans to introduce a 3% tourist tax on accommodation. More regions across Norway are likely to adopt similar taxes in the future.
The revenue generated from this levy will be invested in preserving the country’s natural beauty and improving the local tourism infrastructure, ensuring that the country remains a sustainable destination for future visitors. Norway’s approach provides flexibility for different regions to tailor their tax policies based on local needs and tourism demand.

England’s Push for Regional Tourist Taxes Gains Momentum

In the UK, a shift in powers is underway, as mayors in different regions now have the authority to implement tourist taxes. While the policy is still under discussion in London, the North East is taking the lead, with a proposal for a £2 nightly levy on tourists. This move could generate an estimated £20 million annually to support local tourism efforts.
London, one of the world’s most visited cities, continues to debate the possibility of introducing a tourist tax. The tax could either take the form of a flat fee or a percentage of accommodation costs, adding an extra layer of financial burden to those visiting the city. Given London’s status as a top destination for international tourists, the implementation of such a tax could have a substantial impact on the local economy and tourism experience.

Conclusion: The Growing Trend of Tourist Taxes

As more destinations around the world turn to tourist taxes to help fund infrastructure improvements, tourists are likely to see an increase in their travel expenses. While these taxes may be unpopular among some visitors, they provide a crucial source of revenue for cities and regions that rely heavily on tourism. With destinations like Los Angeles, Edinburgh, and Thailand leading the way, the introduction of these taxes will become a key consideration for travellers planning their trips in 2026 and beyond.

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Tags: 2026 tourist taxes, Bucharest tourist tax, Global Tourist Taxes, Norway tourist tax, tourist taxes

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