A travel expert has slammed tourist taxes as “inadequate”, as anger over mass tourism continues to grow.
Protests against over-tourism have swept across Europe during the summer, taking authorities and business leaders by surprise
Spain has been at the forefront of the turmoil, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in resorts across the country.
On the Canary Islands, protesters slashed hundreds of sun beds at beachside resorts and graffitied nearby shopping centres with anti-tourism slogans.
Many locals blame tourists for pushing up prices, exacerbating housing shortages and crowding public amenities.
Activists also argue that mass tourism is destroying the local environment and are urging visitor caps.
Local authorities have reacted by introducing tourist taxes in a desperate bid to appease the growing anger.
Tourism taxes have been introduced or announced in places ranging from Bali to Venice, Iceland, Aruba, Thailand and Wales.
Officials argue that the money raised from such taxes can help fund infrastructure and conservation.
However, travel experts have warned that the income derived from tourist taxes won’t make a big difference.
New Zealand recently tripled its entry fee from $NZ35 (£16) to $NZ100 (£45) in September.
Sustainable tourism expert James Higham told abc.net.au that the tax was “totally inadequate”.
“The IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) may help to fund some local toilets and camping areas, but what about wastewater, sewerage treatment, electricity supply?” he said
“While $100 may seem pretty steep it takes little of the burden off taxpayers and ratepayers.”
Some analysts have questioned whether tourism taxes actually even deter tourists from visiting.
After Venice introduced a €5 entry fee to reduce crowds during peak season, 7,000 more visitors actually arrived a day on average, according to The Art Newspaper.
Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long said there was “no evidence” tourism taxes did anything to reduce crowds.
“It just means people will spend less in that destination,” he said.
