Starting January 1, 2011, the city of Rome will be enforcing a new tourist tax for visitors – both foreigners and Italians who aren’t residents of Rome.
According to the new law passed on December 23rd, a fee from one to three euro per person, per night, will be added to your hotel bill. The amount of the tax will vary based on the value of your accommodation. Campsites will have a one euro tax and four or five-star hotels will face the maximum fee of three euro.
And if you think that you can avoid this fee by staying in a bed and breakfast or apartment – think again. The tourist tax applies to those as well.
Families with small children can rest a little easier though, as children under 10 years of age are exempt.
The tourist tax will also apply to sightseeing bus tours and boats on the city’s Tiber river.
Supposedly, the tax money collected – an estimated 70 to 80 million euros – will go toward improving public transportation, street cleaning and the maintenance of archaeological sites, while 5% of what’s collected will be reinvested to promote tourism in Rome.
When I see pictures and read about the recent collapse of ancient ruins in Pompeii, it truly breaks my heart. And though I am not a money tree, I certainly don’t mind helping to do my part to keep the same thing from happening to important ancient structures in Rome. So, if it’s true that this levied tax will, in fact, be used to prevent such destruction in Rome, then I’ll happily fork over the dough.
My advise to you when booking your upcoming accommodation, would be to ask the hotel, b&b or apartment directly what your tax rate will be. This way there are no surprises upon check-out, and you can plan for the tax in your budget – since it can add up quickly with several in your party or for a lengthy stay.
So,what about you? Will this deter any plans you have to stay in Rome, or perhaps shorten your visit? Will you happily pay the tax to help with upkeep of the historical monuments in Rome?