Norway has introduced a tourist accommodation tax to address the challenges posed by overtourism, as its popular tourist destinations struggle with inadequate facilities and parking relative to the number of visitors.
The new law, approved in Parliament on Thursday, allows municipalities in “areas particularly affected by tourism” to impose a 3% tax per overnight stay in hotels and private rentals such as Airbnb.
Norway has experienced a tourism boom in recent years, drawing visitors with its largely unspoiled landscapes, refreshing summer climate contrasting with Mediterranean heatwaves, and a weak national currency.
The year 2024 set a new record, according to official statistics, with nearly 38.6 million overnight stays recorded, including over 12 million by foreign tourists, marking a 4.2% increase from 2023.
This influx of tourists is causing issues at sites where infrastructure, especially public sanitation facilities, is often insufficient.
Residents have voiced their concerns in the media about tourists relieving themselves in their gardens and the invasion of camper vans congesting the roads.
The income from the new tax is earmarked exclusively for funding public facilities aimed at improving the tourist experience. Municipalities wanting to benefit from it must demonstrate that their facilities are inadequate, and have their plans approved by government.
A tax may also be imposed on cruise ships docking at Norwegian ports.
