Why do we pay tourist tax? And what would we change?

Tourist tax is quite often a controversial topic, with much debate between supporters and opponents. In our opinion, tourism tax makes a lot of sense. Why, you ask?

Why Tourist tax?

It's not just another cost— it is a small contribution that plays a vital role in preserving the very destinations we travel to see. Understanding and supporting tourist taxes is crucial for long-term, sustainable travel:

Infrastructure support

These taxes fund essential services and infrastructure, reducing the financial burden on local residents and ensuring that facilities meet the needs of both tourists and the community.

Environmental Conservation

In many locations, a portion of tourist taxes is allocated to protect natural environments and wildlife, helping to maintain the beauty and health of destinations. Maintaining hiking routes and garbage collection points are practical examples funded by income from tourist taxes.

City Promotion

In most cities, the income of tourist tax is spend on promoting the city, therewith attracting new tourists. The deterrent effect of tourist tax, often cited by opponents, is thereby actually reversed.

Our stance on tourist taxes: Use the available data to optimise rates

As Trippz, we naturally support tourist taxes. They contribute that tourism develops in a way that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Yet we also see room for improvement in the processes surrounding tourist taxes. We believe that with all available data, much more specific measures can be taken that work best for the respective municipality. As an example, why charge an equally high rate per person per night at times when there are hardly any tourists? And a different rate for in the city centre, where more people are affected, compared to the outskirts of town, for example? These are examples where we prefer customisation, and where we believe it is possible.