Ireland Eyes Tourist Tax Amidst European Trend

Dublin and Galway consider visitor levy despite past setbacks.

As tourist taxes gain traction across Europe, the concept has surfaced in Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Despite prior failed attempts, the idea of a visitor levy is now a topic of political discussion.

Political Backing Emerges

For the first time, a Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has voiced public support for a tourist tax. This endorsement came in response to a Dublin city task force report.

Worldwide Debate

The debate surrounding tourism taxes continues globally. The core questions remain consistent: Do tourists care about these taxes, and do they even notice them? While governments, especially at the local level, tend to favor these taxes, hoteliers generally oppose them.

Amsterdam, for instance, is set to increase its tourist tax to €16.75 per person per night in 2024, the highest city tax in Europe, to combat overtourism and invest in infrastructure. (Euronews 2024)