Milan, the second largest and most populous city in Italy after Rome, and capital of the region Lombardy through its City Council has approved an extraordinary increase in the tourist tax that will only apply during 2026, coinciding with Winter Olympic Games.
The measure will affect all types of accommodation, from budget hotels to luxury establishments, and will place Milan among the European most important centres with the highest tax burdens for visitors.
The increase is set to be implemented ahead of the 2026 Games, which take place in February 2026, a move with the aim to raise funds that has caused outcry from the city’s hospitality sector.
This increment is supported by a government decree that authorizes municipalities near the Winter Olympic venues of Lombardy and Veneto regions to increase the tourist tax to €5 per night per person.
According to the institutions, half of the proceeds will be used to promote tourism and the conservation of cultural and environmental heritage while the other half will be used to finance projects linked to the Olympic event.
As reported by Travel and Tour World, a comprehensive B2B travel e-magazine and news portal, the new fares represent a notable jump in several categories.
Overnight stays in 3 - star hotels will amount to €7.40 per person per night, short - term holiday rentals will reach €9.50, in five - star hotels the fee will rise to €10. Two star hotels will pay €5, one star hotels will pay €4, and hostels and open - air accommodation will apply a reduced rate of €3.
Milan's hotel sector facing this tax increment has expressed its rejection as it considers that the increase is disproportioned and inopportune.
Businessmen warn that the rise may discourage bookings at a time when international tourism is still recovering pace after the pandemic, and fear that Milan, despite its appeal and attractiveness will lose competitiveness compared to other European destinations, especially in business tourism, a relevant economic driver of the Italian city.
Industry associations also warn that the impact could extend beyond 2026, affecting the image of the capital of Lombardy for events, congresses and fairs, very important segments for Milan’ s revenue.
In an environment of rising costs for travellers, Milan will need to keep a close eye on the effects of this rise if it eants to maintain its position as one of the European continent’s top leisure and business destinations.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks a lot to read and note.