Norway Proposes 3% Tourist Tax As Visitor Numbers Soar

Norway’s government announces changes to proposed tourist tax

The Norwegian government announced that it would lower the proposed tourism tax, which would see local authorities charge visitors to try and offset some of the problems caused by over-tourism.

Norway Proposes 3% Tourist Tax As Visitor Numbers Soar

A tourist tax for Norway has been discussed for years. Now, the Norwegian government has set out plans for how it will be implemented.

On Thursday, Minister of Business and Industry Cecilie Myrseth presented the government's bill for a tourist tax. It contains several changes from the proposal that was sent for consultation.

Tourist tax changes – set at 3 percent – In order to reduce the burden on the accommodation industry, the rate is being reduced from 5 to 3 percent, the government announced in a press release. The tax will be adjusted seasonally. It will still be voluntary for municipalities to have the tax. – Norway is a popular travel destination, and that is great. At the same time, it is reasonable that visitors contribute more to the municipalities' work …

The government is making changes to its proposal for a tourist tax after the consultation round. Among other things, they are opening up the possibility of it being adjusted for seasonality, and the rate will be cut.

The government has submitted a bill on visitor contributions, which also addresses Longyearbyen. With a visitor contribution, tourists will contribute to a greater extent to covering the costs they impose on the local community they visit.