Many popular destinations struggling with overtourism and infrastructure issues are aiming to fix those problems in an often unpopular way by enacting new taxes on tourists.
The city of Galway, on the west side of Ireland, is widely known for its medieval streets, colorful shopfronts and historical landmarks.
It is now considering a tourist tax that could generate more than $2.1 million annually in the city, according to The Connacht Tribune newspaper.
The proposal envisions an accommodation charge of $1.10 to $2.20 per visitor, per night, for tourists staying in hotels or short-term lodging.
AMERICAN TRAVELERS WARNED ABOUT POPULAR LOW-COST BEACH DESTINATION AS GLOBAL TENSIONS RISE Sally-Ann O’Brien, Galway City Council’s new tourism officer, spoke at a meeting this week to address concerns, the Tribune reported.
She said most European countries already charge visitors a small nightly fee, with 21 of the 27 EU member states imposing similar taxes.
O’Brien noted that many international visitors come from Europe and are used to paying a tax, according to the Irish Independent newspaper.
Any tourism levy would require legislation and approval from the Irish government at the national level.
DANGEROUS WATER WARNINGS HIT TRENDY VACATION SPOT AFTER POWERFUL STORM POUNDS AREA That's good news for opponents of the proposal.
At least three prominent local leaders have voiced their concern.
Councilor Alan Curran recently said an inconsistency in tourism numbers could "severely impact our ability to budget effectively," the newspaper reported.
"We need to protect ourselves from those economic shocks,"....
