Iceland’s 2024 Tourist Tax Hike to Safeguard Environment

Iceland is set to introduce higher taxes for tourists as part of its efforts to protect the environment, according to Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir. The new tax policy, which will come into effect in 2024, aims to mitigate the environmental impact of the rapidly growing tourism industry. Here are the key points from the announcement:

Key Points:

Tax Implementation:

• Tourism Growth: Iceland has seen exponential growth in tourism over the last decade, leading to environmental pressures.
• Tax Details: The new tax will be a broader version of a previous accommodation tax suspended during the pandemic. It will cover passengers on cruise ships and hotels, addressing both land and sea impacts.
• Timeline: The policy will be implemented in 2024, with detailed amounts to be outlined in upcoming draft legislation.

Environmental Goals:

• Carbon Neutrality: Iceland aims to become carbon neutral before 2040.
• Sustainable Tourism: The tourism sector is shifting towards a circular economy and adopting electric vehicles.

Comparisons:

• Other Destinations: Similar policies are being implemented elsewhere, such as a day-tripper fee in Venice and a tourist tax in Bali starting next year.

Context:

Iceland, known for its stunning natural landscapes including hot springs and black sand beaches, attracted over 1.7 million overnight visitors in 2022. The new tax is part of a broader effort to balance tourism with environmental sustainability.