Wiesbaden's tourist tax: Stress for visitors and organizers is increasing!

Wiesbaden's tourist tax: Stress for visitors and organizers is increasing!

Wiesbaden has introduced the highest tourist tax in Germany for a year. From February 1, 2024, guests will have to pay five euros per night and stay. This increase in the tourist tax does not only affect holidaymakers, but also business travelers who were previously excluded from the levy. This measure has already led to an alarming decline in the number of accommodation, as Sascha Wagner, the head of the Intercity Hotel, reported. So far, the city has not commented on the exact income; A publication of the numbers is planned for June.

The tourist tax, which was raised by two euros to a total of five euros, was criticized and considered harmful to the city's competitiveness. According to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the high levy has negative consequences for tourism. According to Wagner, organizers who often carry out price comparisons are less inclined to hold their congresses or conferences in Wiesbaden. Instead, they prefer cities like Mainz or Frankfurt, where the tourist tax is lower or not at all. Wiesbaden in the future competitive landscape could significantly harm these decisions.

fears of the hotel industry

The hoteliers warn of the possible effects of the increased tourist tax on the industry. Business travelers in particular find only a few advantages in paying the high fees. Wagner suggests that the city should offer additional services, such as public transport tickets, instead of just offering a financial tax. The benefits for the guests could be put to the fore.

The tourist tax also becomes an instrument to close household holes and maintain social and cultural offers. Nevertheless, many are wondering whether the advantages for the city really justify the high costs. According to the current developments, it is still unclear how the price increase will affect tourism and business.

In the context of tourism in Hesse, the sector recorded a good year in 2024. The arrivals in Hesse rose by 4.2 percent, and the number of overnight stays increased by 3.2 percent. The European Football Championship in Frankfurt In the coming year could continue to have a positive impact on tourism, which means an additional competitive pressure for Wiesbaden.

As part of a larger trend in Hessian tourism, the tourist tax of Wiesbaden could even serve as an example for other cities that consider similar taxes. However, the hoteliers fear that this could start a spiral that puts the entire sector under pressure.