Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has long had major problems with the influx of tourists. In response, the city raised taxes on foreign travelers last summer, and now the taxes are being raised again – which could result in the city having the most expensive tourist taxes in Europe.

The tax increase will come into effect next year and will involve a new fee of 3 euros, approximately 32 kronor, per hotel night for foreign tourists. For travelers using the accommodation service Airbnb, the tax will be increased to 10 percent.

According to CNN, the tax increase means that an overnight stay in a one-star hotel in Amsterdam will be more expensive in tax terms than a night in a five-star hotel in other European cities.

“This will likely result in Amsterdam receiving the highest overnight tax in Europe on average,” says Tim Fairhurst, at the European Tourism Organization ETOA, to CNN.

It's not just accommodation that will become more expensive in Amsterdam next year. A new tax of 8 euros, about 85 kronor, is being introduced for tourists arriving in the city by boat. A new fee of 0.66 euros, about 7 kronor, is also being introduced on the city's sightseeing boats.

18 million tourists annually

Amsterdam, with a population of around 867,000, receives around 18 million tourists annually. According to the Amsterdam city council, the increased taxes will help the city deal with any problems caused by the influx of tourists – and should not be seen as a way to try to scare away tourists.

“Visitors will contribute more to the high costs of keeping the city safe and clean, and to keeping public spaces such as sidewalks, piers, bridges and streets in good condition,” a city council spokesperson told CNN.

High taxes in several cities

Amsterdam is not the only European city to raise taxes on tourists. Nearby Rotterdam is introducing a 6.5 percent tax on each hotel night, and in Dortmund, Germany, the tax is 7.5 percent. Reports CNN.

In Berlin, Bonn and Bremen the tax is 5 percent.

Source: svt.se