Gotland Proposes Tourist Tax to Combat Overtourism by 2025
Gotland plans to introduce a tourist tax by 2025 to address overtourism and foster local sustainability.
Key Points
- • Meit Fohlin proposes a tourist tax for Gotland aimed at managing tourism pressures.
- • The proposal responds to concerns from overseas regarding overtourism.
- • Tourism's impact on local communities, including housing and environmental issues, is highlighted by experts.
- • Funds from the proposed tax would support local investments benefiting both residents and tourism.
In a move reflecting growing concerns about overtourism, Region Gotland's chairperson Meit Fohlin (S) has announced a proposal to implement a tourist tax by 2025. This initiative stems from discontent highlighted by protests in southern Europe regarding tourism's negative impacts on local communities. "Den som nyttjar något ska också vara den som betalar," Fohlin stated, emphasizing that those benefiting from the island's resources should contribute financially.
Sustainability strategist Linda Vismer noted that tourism can lead to increased costs for locals, such as housing and environmental issues. While Gotland faces challenges related to seasonally increased populations due to tourism, it is significantly less affected by overtourism compared to places in southern Europe. Many European destinations have already adopted similar measures, including short-term rental regulations and tourist taxes. Fohlin supports a tourist tax as a way to fund local investments that benefit both residents and the tourism sector, stating, "Pengarna ska kunna användas till lokala investeringar för att stärka både invånarnas och besöksnäringens villkor."
This proposal seeks to ensure that tourism supports local communities sustainably, potentially setting a precedent for other regions in Sweden also seeking to manage their tourism challenges responsibly.