A nightly tourist tax, which may be unfamiliar in the UK, has been in place in several European countries for many years. This tax is usually collected when tourists check out of hotels or holiday accommodations, often appearing as an extra charge on their bills. The idea is to ensure that visitors contribute to the costs of the services and infrastructure they use, rather than placing the burden solely on local residents. Austria was one of the first countries to introduce a tourist tax in 1842, specifically for visitors to spa and wellness retreats. Over time, other European nations like France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland followed suit, aiming to prevent local taxpayers from shouldering the costs of catering to wealthy tourists. In Italy, the tourist tax has evolved significantly, including a period during Benito Mussolini’s regime when it was expanded to cover any town or city designated as a tourist destination. Although the tax was temporarily removed for the 1990 World Cup to attract more visitors, it was reintroduced nationwide in 2011, with Rome being the first city to bring it back. The amount of the nightly fee varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation. It typically ranges from €1 (£0.86) to €10 per person, with higher rates in major cities. For example, guests staying in five-star hotels in Milan pay €12 per night. Venice has taken a different approach by introducing an entrance fee for day-trippers in 2024, while other cities continue to apply the overnight levy. According to data from Siope, Italy’s finance ministry, Rome collected €222.4 million from the tax in 2024, followed by Milan (€109.3 million), Florence (€82.9 million), and Venice (€38.9 million). The funds collected from the tourist tax are intended to support local services and help maintain historic monuments in areas affected by overtourism. However, some financially struggling municipalities use the money for other purposes. Gianluca De Gaetano, who manages the Rome unit for Federalberghi, the hotels’ association, noted that all local governments want the tax because they need the revenue. Tourists, despite sometimes being dissatisfied with the quality of services, generally end up absorbing the cost, especially after paying a significant amount for their accommodation.