Norway to impose new tax on tourists

Norway is set to combat the scourge of over-tourism by imposing a new tax on overseas visitors.

From the dramatic fjords of the west coast to the Arctic majesty of the northern lights, Norway's beauty has long captivated visitors.

In 2024, Norway recorded 6.20 million international tourist arrivals but authorities expect to receive approximately 6.28 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Europe represents 80% of all arrivals with leading inbound markets being Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and the UK.

But with tourism numbers climbing steadily, the country is preparing to introduce a tourist tax starting in summer 2026.

The purpose of the tax is "to help safeguard its natural treasures and alleviate strain on local infrastructure".

Under newly approved legislation, select municipalities can impose a 3% fee on overnight stays.

The fee will appear on hotel bills and of short-term rentals such as Airbnb. Cruise passengers will also be subject to the fee, but campsites and marinas will be exempt.

The move comes after Norway’s parliament rejected a proposal for a nationwide hotel tax.

It instead opted for a targeted, locally applied measure. Municipalities wishing to implement the tax must demonstrate that tourism is putting significant pressure on public facilities. They are also required to submit detailed plans on how the funds will be used, subject to review by the government.

The first cities expected to adopt the measure include Bergen, Tromsø, and possibly Oslo. Popular sites like the Geirangerfjord (above) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and the Lofoten Islands are also likely candidates.

Tourism-related services will be the exclusive users of the fee revenue. It would include trail maintenance, public toilets, waste management, and visitor information systems.

Local governments will also have the flexibility to adjust the tax seasonally.

“We’re pleased the government avoided a blanket hotel tax,” said Kristin Krohn Devold, CEO of the Norwegian Hospitality Association.

“This approach allows for targeted action where it’s truly needed. Our goal is for this tax to remain the exception, not the rule.”

A formal review of the legislation will happen three years after its implementation, allowing adjustments based on its impact and effectiveness.

Spain cracks down on Airbnb operations

Spain has imposed a major clampdown on Airbnb short-term rental properties, ordering the removal of over 65,000 listings from the platform.

The government action comes after months of anger over a housing affordability crisis in major cities including Barcelona, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The Spanish Consumer Rights Ministry said many listings have violated record-keeping rules, citing discrepancies such as missing licence numbers and owner declarations.

Spaniards have increasingly blamed short-term rentals on housing shortages and surging rental costs.

Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the clampdown will address the general ‘lack of control and illegality’ in the holiday let market.

“No more excuses," he said. "Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country." 

The move is mostly targeting what it calls "illegal listings" in Madrid, Barcelona and parts of Andalusia.

Airbnb is appealing the action and has filed a court motion.

Official data shows there are more than 320,000 licensed rental properties in Spain, but officials say there are many more operating illegally.

The Consumer Rights Ministry first opened an investigation into Airbnb late last year.

The housing shortage crisis has been at the centre of anti-mass tourism protests across Spain in the past year.

Barcelona has already taken measures to alleviate the problem, with plans to remove around 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments within the next three years.

Image: Andre Oprea, Scop.io 

Europe starts to crack down on Airbnb properties

Portugal has unveiled a package of measures aimed at tackling a housing crisis, including a ban on new licenses for Airbnb properties and other short-term holiday rentals.

Rents and house prices have skyrocketed in Portugal - and many other parts of the world - as tourists flock to one of Europe's most affordable holiday destinations.

The tourism boom is a key factor in rents in Lisbon jumping 37% in 2022, local news service WIO reported.

Portugal also signalled the end of its controversial Golden Visa programme for new property buyers from abroad.

Foreign property owners will now only be eligible for the visas if their properties are used as their own home, or placed in the long-term rental market.

Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a press conference in Lisbon that new licences for tourism businesses - like Airbnb properties - will be prohibited, though rural areas will be exempt.

The move aims to make more properties available to locals who have been priced out of the rental market.