Ready or Not, More Visitor Fees Are Coming

We’re living in a world of extra fees – whether it’s for concert tickets, expedited shipping or simply not wanting to share a car with a stranger. Did you hear that UberX Share (aka Uber Pool) is back in select cities? The nightmare returns!

Then it seems only natural that many heavily trafficked tourist destinations are now charging extra fees just for the simple joy of visiting. Whether it’s Bali imposing a visitor levy, the Galapagos Islands recently doubling their entry fee, or the city of Venice charging a small tax on those exploring its crumbling streets, this has become a growing trend in the wake of lost revenue incurred during the pandemic. 

While each of these ranks anywhere from "annoying" to "a bit egregious" (although if you’re going all the way to the Galapagos, what’s an extra $100 to save the tortoises?), the hope is that these fees and taxes can help combat the effects of destructive foot traffic, improve waste processing and maybe encourage fewer people to make becoming a yoga instructor their entire personality.