In this country, a holiday tax was first introduced in 1933 and soon became mandatory for nearly everyone, with exceptions for military personnel and those in need. Over time the fee shifted into a voucher charge for sanatoriums and hostels and applied to tourists traveling independently. After the USSR dissolved, a proposal to introduce holiday pay in 1991 was attempted but failed. Economic pressures, implementation challenges, and enforcement issues led to the law on resort fees to lapse in 2004.
In 2014, the question of facility charges resurfaced. An experiment was planned to fund the development of resort infrastructure by charging usage fees in the Stavropol, Krasnodar and Altai regions. The aim was to keep the system affordable for visitors while channeling funds into tourism infrastructure.
St. Petersburg, a city of federal importance, began participating in the experiment on April 1, 2024, with a rate of 100 rubles per person per day. Anyone aged 18 or older arriving in the city is required to pay this resort fee for the duration of their stay, excluding the day of arrival. The fee is separate from the accommodation charge.
Preferred categories that are exempt from resort fees are defined by federal law. Travelers should present supporting documentation or a certified copy to receive relief. In St. Petersburg, local exemptions exist for full-time university students, certain family members, and city property owners, even if they are not locally registered. Tourist instructions have been prepared; a concise infographic provides the essentials and answers the most common questions.
Resort fees play a vital role in maintaining and developing resort and tourist infrastructure. Consider the effort required to build and maintain hotels, roads, beaches, parks, and other facilities that keep visitors safe and comfortable. The funds collected help sustain high service levels and support the ongoing improvement and expansion of the tourist environment.
The expected use of funds includes modernizing tourist infrastructure, restoring historical buildings, monuments, and small architectural features, improving pedestrian zones and embankments, and designing new attractions.
The first meeting of the Resort Fees Public Council has taken place. Discussions already cover upgrading two popular beaches in the resort zone, restoring the Moscow Victory Gate, and creating a fountain in the Linear Park in the Vasileostrovskiy District as part of the city’s evolving tourist geography. The list of funded projects is available through city authorities and will be approved by the St. Petersburg government.
St. Petersburg’s tourist sector continues to grow, offering not only engaging routes and excursions but also comfort and safety. The ability to plan trips with different interests in mind, set a budget, and arrange activities in advance helps visitors avoid last-minute hassles and enjoy a smoother experience.
Ultimately, the resort fee contributes to the broader tourism and hospitality landscape by supporting improvements to existing facilities and enabling new experiences. The psychological aspect matters too—visitors feel they contribute to the city’s transformation. A dedicated Facility Fees Public Council will oversee the most effective use of the collected funds.
From April 1, 2024, St. Petersburg began charging a resort fee of 100 rubles per person per day.