On Thursday, Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre (Ap) confirmed that Lofoten and three other destinations are now under consideration to become pilot destinations for testing a tourist tax, or visitor contribution.
This happened during the Minister of Industry’s visit to Svolvær in Lofoten.
In 2024, tourists may thus have to pay an additional tax on tourism-related services such as accommodation, organized tours and souvenirs.
This is called a tourist tax or visitor contribution, and is done on the model of several other countries – for example Croatia, Portugal and Switzerland.
Over tourism
– Lofoten is fantastic, and it is no wonder that Lofoten attracts many tourists.
– But Lofoten and other attractive destinations in Norway face challenges related to over-tourism in the high season. We have to do something about that, says the Minister of Business, who released the news during his visit to Svolvær.
ATTRACTIVE: The picture was taken from Himmeltinden in Vestvågøy in Lofoten Photo: Karianne Laagstein
And the news is welcome. For many years there has been a debate about the introduction of a visitor’s contribution or tourist tax.
Now this can become a reality in Lofoten already this year.
– We have been waiting for this for a long time, says tourism manager Line Samuelsen at Destination Lofoten.
In addition to a not inconsiderable effort from the Lofoten tour team and other voluntary teams and associations, it is the municipalities’ and taxpayers’ money that has been used to carry out maintenance at places with high levels of wear and tear in Lofoten.
– With a visit contribution from tourists, we can make long-term plans to achieve comprehensive management of our natural and cultural resources for future guests and residents of Lofoten, says the tourism manager.
– Divided opinions
Gunnar Skjeseth is the owner and general manager of the tourist company Lofoten Explorer, which mainly offers tours and sea eagle safaris with rib boats from Svolvær.
Skjeseth has worked in the industry for 25 years, but is among those who are not exclusively positive about the possible introduction of a tourist tax or visitor contribution.
– There are also divided opinions and discussion about this in Lofoten, says Skjeseth, who believes that there are already enough taxes and duties in Norway.
He believes that money for facilitation should be allocated from the state budget and earmarked for tourist destinations, so that the municipalities get more money to take care of areas with high tourist pressure.
– Instead, they pack on even more taxes and fees. It is the same with tolls on the roads.
IN THE HUNDRED: Minister of Industry Jan Christian Vestre (Ap) was on a fishing trip in Lofoten on Thursday. Photo: Robin Nilsen
Requires follow-up
– But if tourist tax is the only way out, it is important that the money comes back to Lofoten and the local population, says Skjeseth, and reminds that the job is not finished when the tourist signs are installed and the toilets are placed.
– It must also be followed up and maintained. For that we need people who can do the job, he says.
– What do tourists say about having to pay tourist tax?
– I have the impression that the tourists will not react negatively to this. In general, tourists who come to Norway are relatively wealthy, the tourist operator believes.
Skjeseth himself has personal experience with tourist tax from holiday trips abroad.
– We’ve probably been deducted two or three hundred kroner a week, as a fee on the hotel bill, without me getting hung up on it. “It’s a holiday,” I thought.
Working with solutions
Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre says that no specific destinations have been granted pilot status as of now.
– I would like to get started already today, but the proposals challenge current legislation. But we are working to find solutions in collaboration with the municipality and industry, says Vestre.
