Norwegian lawmakers have approved a long-debated proposal to introduce a tourist tax, including for cruise ship passengers, sparking confusion and criticism from local officials.
On Thursday, the parliament (Storting) passed the measure after a political compromise was reached earlier in the week between the Labour Party, the Socialist Left Party (SV) and the Centre Party, according to local media outlet Borsen.
The proposal was also supported by the Red Party and the Green Party (MDG). The measure allows some municipalities to introduce a 3% tourist tax per night, with cruise tourists among those liable to pay the levy.
“This does not solve all the problems,” said Rune Stostad, a Labour Party MP and one of the main supporters of the tax, at a parliamentary meeting on Wednesday. Under the legislation, municipalities must prove that tourism places a significant burden on local infrastructure and public services.
Before the tax can be introduced, a detailed plan for the use of the revenue must be drawn up in co-operation with the business sector and approved by the ministry.
Responding to concerns about which areas would be affected by the tax, Stostad said: “The municipalities themselves will determine whether they are under heavy pressure from tourism and provide the relevant documentation. I am confident that the municipalities will be able to handle this task.”
Reasons for introducing a tourist tax
Norway’s appeal to travellers is growing thanks to its unspoilt nature, picturesque fjords and, as some point out, the desire of tourists to avoid the summer heat in Mediterranean countries.
An additional factor is the relatively weak national currency. In 2024, a record number of almost 38.6 million overnight stays were recorded, of which more than 12 million were by foreign tourists. This is 4.2% more than in 2023.
However, such an influx of visitors creates serious problems. The infrastructure of many tourist facilities, including public toilets and car parks, is often not designed to cope with such large numbers of people. Local residents complain that tourists relieve themselves in their gardens or that the roads are congested with campers.
The funds collected from the new tourist tax should be used exclusively for the development and financing of public infrastructure for tourists. Municipalities wishing to introduce such a levy will have to justify the inadequacy of the existing infrastructure, and their plans will require government approval. The possibility of introducing a tax for cruise ship passengers stopping in Norway has not been ruled out.
Representatives of the hotel industry have expressed concern about the introduction of the tax, fearing a negative impact on their business. Large business associations believe that there are more appropriate ways to finance general infrastructure for the development of sustainable tourism than introducing a tourist tax on accommodation.
