Italy has included a new provision in its latest budget law, signaling that some municipalities may raise the tourist tax. The plan would see councils in certain cities authorized to increase charges by up to 10 euros per person per night for overnight stays. Previously, the ceiling was 5 euros. The surcharge would apply only in cities that opt in and meet specific conditions. Yet industry voices have already pushed back against the idea, warning that it could deter visitors.
“Taxing tourists doesn’t make sense,” argues Vittorio Messima, president of Assoturismo Confesercenti, the association representing tourism sector operators. He warns it could discourage travelers, especially families, and notes that an extra cost for a typical family of four could amount to about 280 euros per week, depending on the stay. This concern reflects worries that a higher price tag might narrow the appeal of popular destinations for domestic and international guests alike.
Not every city will have the power to implement the increase. The new law limits the measure to the portion of tourism taxes that is collected by public administrations. It applies only when the number of tourists is at least 20 times the resident population, as verified by official statistics. Data must also be certified by the National Institute of Statistics and reflect the average of the three years prior to the year when the tax would be levied.
iconic cities
The concern is that some of Italy’s most iconic destinations—cities like Siena, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Rimini—could be hit hardest. These places are renowned across Europe and around the world for their architectural, artistic, and cultural heritage, drawing large volumes of visitors year after year. A recent study by Assoturismo Confesercenti highlights how the tourist-to-resident ratio in these places is exceptionally high, underscoring why the proposed surcharge would have a pronounced impact on long-standing tourism hubs.
In Siena, for instance, tourism research shows an annual average of roughly one million visitors during the 2017–2019 period, while residents number around 53,000. The resulting tourist-to-resident ratio exceeds 20 to 1, illustrating the scale of tourist activity in that city. Other destinations present even higher ratios; Florence reports a ratio near 29 to 1, Rimini around 50 to 1, and Venice around 49 to 1. These figures explain why Italian Hospitality, an industry group, wrote to the government urging a reconsideration or cancellation of the new rule in its current form.
As a result, only a handful of municipalities have already approved the new levy while Florence, Siena, and Rimini are not among them. Since the budget announcement, discussions have intensified across many local governments, with several council members publicly rejecting the idea of implementing the measure. The debate centers on whether higher prices will simply push travelers away or whether the additional revenue could be used to improve local tourism services and infrastructure.
by inflation
On the other hand, some communities see an opportunity to channel extra funds into public coffers to address inflation and the energy crisis—factors weighing on municipal budgets. In smaller towns where no fee existed before, the new policy could introduce a modest revenue stream to support essential services while preserving the attractiveness of tourist sites for visitors.
One illustrative case is Pomarance, a town in the Pisa province with a population of about 5,800. While the area hosts many summer tourists, local leaders acknowledge the pressure from new policy measures. The deputy mayor, Nicola Fabiani, emphasizes the government’s role in providing relief measures to households and businesses, noting that the planned increase is expected to range from roughly 0.50 to 1.50 euros per person. Many residents and visitors would likely perceive this as a reasonable adjustment that helps sustain local tourism without imposing a heavy burden on families during peak travel months.
Overall, the situation shows a delicate balance between preserving Italy’s rich tourism appeal and ensuring that local governments have sustainable resources to maintain and enhance visitor experiences. The ongoing conversations reflect a broader debate about how best to manage tourist flows, fairness for residents, and the long-term health of Italy’s most cherished destinations.