Tourists planning international trips may need to pay closer attention to local accommodation taxes, as several major global cities impose significant levies on hotel stays and holiday rentals.
Tourist taxes, typically charged per night or as a percentage of accommodation costs, are increasingly used by governments and city authorities to fund infrastructure, tourism promotion, and public services required to support large numbers of visitors.
Recent data on global accommodation levies shows that cities across North America and Europe dominate the list of destinations with the highest nightly tourist taxes, according to a report by Holidu.
Below are some of the cities where visitors pay the most in accommodation-related tourist taxes, ranked from the least expensive among the top 10 to the most expensive.
Paris introduced revised tourist taxes in 2025, increasing the levies paid by visitors staying in accommodation across the city.
The French capital applies both regional and municipal tourist taxes, with the total amount varying depending on the type and category of accommodation.
Combined charges currently range from about €1.95 per person per night for campsites to as much as €15.60($18) per person per night for luxury hotels.
Authorities say the tax revenue helps fund tourism infrastructure, public services, and cultural preservation in one of the world’s most visited cities.
Paris continues to attract millions of international travellers annually due to its historic landmarks, museums, and global cultural influence, making tourist taxes a significant source of local government revenue.
