Canadians could face higher tourist taxes in popular European city
Canadian tourists visiting Amsterdam may soon see higher costs as the Dutch capital plans to raise its tourist tax.
Travellers heading to Amsterdam for its iconic architecture and to explore its famous network of canals will have to pay more, as the city moves to increase its tourist tax.
Currently, travellers pay the tourist tax (also known as toeristenbelasting) on overnight accommodations. According to the city’s website, a nightly surcharge of 12.5 per cent is charged on the price of stays in hotels, guesthouses, apartments, recreational bungalows, bed and breakfasts, short-stay rentals, and campsites. The city also charges €15 (C$24.15) per person for day trippers.
The Independent reports that the local government has proposed increasing the tax rate to 16 per cent in 2027. And the increase won’t stop there — if approved, the tax hike could then be followed by an annual increase of one per cent until it reaches 20 per cent in 2030.
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When it comes to percentage surcharges, Amsterdam’s 12.5 per cent nightly rate is the highest compared to other European cities, according to a report by The Telegraph.
City officials say money raised from the higher tax would help make Amsterdam cleaner and safer, while improving the experience for tourists. It’s not only the overnight rate that could see an increase. The local government has also proposed raising the entertainment tax, which is paid by boat tours, boats, canoes, and other vessels.
In addition to the proposed tax increase, officials want to close the city’s port terminal, which means that the city will no longer be accessible to sea cruise ships.
Tourists are increasingly being met with higher taxes in popular travel destinations.
In April, Barcelona increased its overnight per-person rate to a maximum of €12 (C$19.32), up from €7.50 (C$12.08). And starting July 1, Japan is set to triple its departure tax from JPY1,000 (C$8.71) to JPY3,000 ($26.14).