European country branded 'one of world's most beautiful' latest to mull tourist tax

, frequently named as one of the , is the latest European nation to consider a tourist tax as it grapples with record-breaking visitor numbers. The Scandinavian country, which Tripadvisor users say "could rightfully claim to be one of the ," is experiencing mounting pressure on its natural and urban environments.

In 2024, Norway saw a surge in tourism with a staggering 38 million overnight stays, prompting calls for action to manage the impact. One traveller summed up the nation's allure, describing Norway as having "one of the most spectacular views I have seen anywhere on earth."

In response, the Norwegian government has proposed a new bill that would allow municipalities to introduce a 3% levy on overnight stays at hotels, campsites, and short-term holiday rentals. Originally set at 5%, the rate was scaled back following concerns from the tourism industry.

If approved by Parliament, the tax could be rolled out as early as summer 2025. A 3% levy would add approximately £4.10 to a £140-per-night hotel stay.

The aim of the tax is to equip local governments with tools to maintain infrastructure and services strained by tourism. Funds would be earmarked for projects considered tourism-related "common goods," including public toilets, trail maintenance, and signage improvements.

Municipalities choosing to adopt the tax will be required to collaborate with local tourism operators on how the funds are used.

"We know not every municipality needs this," Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth told national broadcaster NRK. "But in high-pressure areas, it's about building trust between the local population and visitors."

However, the proposal hasn't been without controversy. The tax would not apply to cruise passengers, day-trippers, or those traveling in camper vans, visitors who often frequent the country's most popular destinations. Critics argue the exemption leaves a significant portion of the tourism load unaccounted for.

"They're still using our roads, our toilets, our scenic trails," said one local resident from the fjord town of Flåm. "They should contribute too."

The government has acknowledged the concern and signaled it is exploring separate mechanisms to collect contributions from cruise tourists in the future.

If Norway moves forward, it will join a growing number of European destinations-such as Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam-that have turned to tourism taxes to balance the economic benefits of visitors with the need to protect local communities and the environment.

With summer around the corner and another influx of tourists expected, Norway's Parliament faces increasing pressure to act swiftly.