Norway's tourist tax: New source of revenue for municipalities

Tourist tax for municipalities: Government proposes flexible levy for accommodations and cruises

The Norwegian government has introduced a proposal to allow municipalities to implement a tourist tax on overnight stays. The tax, which could be up to five percent of the accommodation price, would apply to hotels, campsites, motorhome parks, and private rentals. Platforms like Airbnb and FINN.no would be required to collect and remit the tax when handling payments.

Special scheme for Svalbard

A separate model is proposed for Svalbard, specifically Longyearbyen. In addition to an accommodation tax, a mandatory fee for cruise passengers disembarking in the area is planned. Revenue from this initiative would be shared between the national government and the local administration to support essential infrastructure, including roads, water supply, energy, and emergency services.

Aiming for sustainable financing

Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth emphasized that this measure has been a long-standing request from municipalities experiencing high tourist traffic. The tax is intended to ensure fair funding for shared resources utilized by both residents and visitors while fostering trust between tourists and local communities.

Consultation phase underway

The proposal is currently open for consultation, with a deadline of January 3, 2025, for feedback. The government is also considering additional measures to involve the cruise industry in funding infrastructure and services. This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial support to Norway’s popular tourist destinations while potentially increasing travel costs for visitors.

More on Norway (in German).

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