Tourists could get slapped with fees as pricey getaway looks to cash in even more

Yet another country in Europe is weighing a proposal to add tourist taxes and levies to visitors in an effort to raise money.

The Ministry of Finance confirmed that legal preparations are in progress for a system that would give cities and towns the option to charge visitors who are staying in paid accommodations.

The proposed tax would apply to international tourists and Finns traveling within their own country.

"The goal is a clear model, and municipalities would decide themselves whether to introduce it," Purra said in a statement.

Any revenue raised would stay within the municipality that collects it, offering local governments a new stream of funding to manage tourism-related costs. 

Those costs include maintaining infrastructure, supporting public services and handling the wear and tear that comes with an influx of visitors.

Finland, if it makes this move, would not be breaking new ground. 

Finnish officials say their model would draw from these examples while tailoring their approach.

The move follows a study and consultations with industry stakeholders. Next, the proposal will be opened up for public feedback before entering a formal legislative process, according to a statement.

If approved, the law could take effect in 2027. 

Then, municipalities could choose to add the tax to their 2028 budgets.

The country welcomed 5.1 million international visitors last year - a 5% increase from 2024 - according to Business Finland and Visit Finland. It is estimated that tourists spent more than $4 billion.

Reddit users weighed in on the proposed tax.

"Finland is… one of the most expensive countries to visit because of its already sky-high taxes.… Introducing [a] tourist tax is not going to help get tourists," one commenter said.

In the winter, travelers head to Lapland for Northern Lights viewing and snow activities. 

In the summer, tourists love the long daylight hours, including the midnight sun.