New tax to put half of tourists off Europe trip
HALF of British holidaymakers could abandon European hotspots they impose taxes to cut visitor numbers.
Barcelona, Amsterdam and the Canary Islands are introducing measures to combat over-tourism, fund infrastructure and help ailing businesses.
Now 51% of UK travellers have told travel insurer Staysure they would be less likely to visit those destinations as a result.
Another 16% said they definitely would not visit them at all.
A variable per day tourist charge, of up to €3.25 (£2.79), is in place in parts of Spain, such as Barcelona. There are similar taxes in Venice and Bali.
Protest
Meanwhile, 54% of Britons said they are less likely to visit a location where locals actively protest against tourism – as is currently the case in Tenerife – and 22% would not go at all.
Anti-tourist graffiti has appeared, as Airbnbs continue to push up rental costs and the cost of living for locals, while visitors make noise and leave rubbish behind.
But asked in the UK survey if Brits should be considered a protected group in places where they prop up an economy, 54% said yes.
However, 91% agreed that tourists do have a responsibility to help preserve a country’s environment and way of life – while 87% felt that social media drives poor, unethical behaviour.
Simon McCulloch, Staysure’s chief commercial officer said: “Every penny does count and when saving up for that well-deserved holiday, consumers may not expect to be met with additional charges.
“Holidaymakers will need to plan for these extra costs and build them into their overall budget.”