Norway could soon introduce a tourist tax as it grapples with soaring visitor numbers.
The Scandinavian country, which “could rightfully claim to be one of the world’s most beautiful countries” according to Tripadvisor, has faced growing tourism pressure in recent years.
One traveller described Norway as having “One of the most spectacular views I have seen anywhere on earth”.
This popularity has led to record-breaking tourism, with Norway recording 38 million overnight stays in 2024.
Norway recorded 38 million overnight stays in 2024
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The proposed tourist levy aims to address the growing problem of overtourism. It joins similar fees introduced in other European countries.
Norway’s proposed bill would allow individual municipalities to charge a three per cent tax on overnight stays, reflecting the country’s varied tourism challenges.
If approved by parliament, the tax could be implemented as soon as summer 2025.
Anyone staying in hotels, campsites or short-term holiday rentals would be required to pay the levy if the municipality has adopted it.
The rate was initially proposed at five per cent but was lowered after tourism stakeholders objected.
For context, the three per cent levy on a £140-per-night hotel room would result in an additional £4.10 charge.
The purpose of the tax is to give local authorities tools to fund infrastructure and services strained by growing tourist numbers.
Any region charging the levy would need to work with the tourism industry to decide how the money is spent.
The proposal requires that funds be allocated to tourism-related ‘common goods’ such as signage, trail maintenance and public toilets.
Norway’s trade and industry minister Cecilie Myrseth told NRK: ‘We know not every municipality needs this, but in high-pressure areas, it’s about building trust between the local population and visitors.’
Norway has faced growing tourism pressure in recent years
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The proposal has faced criticism for exempting certain visitors from the tax.
Day-trippers, cruise passengers and people in camper vans won’t be required to pay, despite their impact on Norway’s most visited areas.
Critics argue this lets these tourists ‘off the hook’ whilst they still contribute to overtourism issues.
However, the Norwegian government has indicated it is considering a separate framework for contributions from cruise passengers in the future.
