Bali, Spain, Greece: New and proposed taxes catching out tourists in 2025

Australians could be slugged with a costly and inconvenient new daily tax to holiday in Bali.

But it isn't the only tourism levy or tax being imposed on Aussie tourists around the world this year.

Here's our list of countries that have either introduced or are considering a tax on tourists in 2025.

The South China Morning Post reported the Bali Marginal Tourism Actors Alliance was considering charging foreign visitors a daily fee, similar to the Bhutan tourism model, because tourists aren't spending enough money. In Bhutan, the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee slugs tourists with a daily charge of $158. Currently, visitors to Bali need to a one-off $14.50 charge called the Bali Tourism Tax Levy.

Starting late in 2025, Catalonia will increase its tourist tax to a maximum of $43 per night in Barcelona, according to Catalan News. At least 25 per cent of the revenue will support housing policies.

The City of Edinburgh Council is introducing a five per cent visitor levy for hotel guests. The levy applies to tourists who are planning to stay in Edinburgh on or after July 24, 2026, and book their stay on or after October 1, 2025, and will be added to the accommodation cost. The money will fund public services, cultural programs and city infrastructure.

England has floated the idea of a tourist tax, saying $2 per person per night could raise $858 million per year in England, the House of Commons Library reported. Though neither the central government nor local councils have the power to introduce such a tax at present, Manchester and Liverpool City councils have introduced a form of tourism levy called the Accommodation BID via a legal workaround. This is a fee payable by participating accommodation providers and they are encouraged to itemise it on the guest's bill.

At the start of 2025, Greece increased its tourist tax from 90 cents to $3.40 per night, rising to $13.70 per night during the high season (April to October). A new cruise tax of $34 has also been introduced.

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A proposed tourist tax for visitors driving motorhomes and campervans on the North Coast 500 route could cost $82 for a seven-day membership, funding infrastructure improvements, according to The Scottish Sun.

Italy is considering introducing a new levy for overnight visitors, with proposed charges ranging from $8.60 to $43 per night depending on the cost of the accommodation, aiming to combat overtourism and address environmental impacts, according to The Sun.

In July 2025, the Tourism Goods and Services Tax will increase from 16 per cent to 17 per cent. Additionally, the green tax for accommodations will double starting January 2025, according to Travel Weekly Asia.

From July 1, 2025, cruise ship passengers will have to pay a $67 tax per guest when entering Mexico, according to USA Today.

Intrepid general manager ANZ, Brett Mitchell, said popular tourist destinations have been increasing their tourist taxes over the past few years as a result of overtourism and we can expect to see more of this in the future.

Though many taxes are added to accommodation costs, Aussies might need to allocate extra funds for these fees which are used to "support local infrastructure and tourism services".

"The changes we're witnessing to tackle overtourism are examples of broader trends we can expect to see in the future. These actions reflect the growing awareness of the challenges associated with mass tourism and the need for travellers to go off the beaten path and incorporate more responsible and sustainable practices," Mr Mitchell said.

Overtourism has prompted some Aussies to rethink their approach to travel, for example the European summer. With iconic destinations like Spain, Greece and Italy being overwhelmed by visitors, Intrepid is seeing Aussies seeking-out lesser known destinations and visiting popular spots in off-peak times.

"Two notable hidden gems on the rise are Albania and The Baltics. Comparing 2023 to 2024, we received a 198 per cent increase in bookings to Albania and a 57 per cent increase in bookings to The Baltics," Mr Mitchell said.