France planning to increase tourist tax
French foreign minister Laurent Fabius has attacked plans to raise by more than five times hotel taxes paid by tourists, saying the move would be dangerous for tourism and France’s stumbling economy.
Lawmakers from Fabius’ Socialist Party initiated two increases in the tourist tax, passed last week in parliament’s lower chamber.
If confirmed by the Senate, they could force tourists to spend up to €8 per night in hotel taxes, instead of €1.50 currently, with the price rising with the hotel category.
Another increase adds another €2 for Paris region hotels to pay for transport improvements.
Mr Fabius said the increases are “dangerous and totally contrary to the promotion of tourism, a priority for jobs”. He joins tourist professionals in criticising the moves.
