Other Scandinavian cities have also advocated for a tourist tax.
Minister for Cities and Rural Districts, Morten Dahlin, has rejected Copenhagen Municipality’s proposal to introduce a tourist tax. In a letter, Dahlin emphasized that such a tax would affect Danish tourists, particularly from Jutland, and could harm the economy and jobs in the capital.
“It’s a tax on Jutlanders, and I clearly say no,” says the minister, noting that 40 percent of Copenhagen’s overnight visitors are Danish.
This means that foreign travelers – as well as Danish – can still visit Copenhagen without having to pay a tourist tax. Dahlin highlights that foreign tourists contribute significantly to Copenhagen’s economy, and the government will continue to invest in attracting them. However, the minister is open to dialogue on addressing tourist congestion during peak season, such as by spreading tourism to the off-season.
Several popular municipalities in Sweden have also advocated for a tourist tax this summer, and a similar discussion has taken place in Oslo, where a party proposed to campaign on introducing a tourist tax last year. Neither Sweden or Norway have implemented a tourist tax yet.
Source: Ritzau / tv2
