Rome to tax tourists

[Joanne98]

Source: UPI

ROME, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Visitors to Rome will pay a small tourist tax for the maintenance of archaeological sites, street cleaning and transportation improvements starting Jan. 1.

The tax will range from 1 euro (about $1.31) to 3 euros ($3.93) and will be charged on everything from renting a campsite to staying in a 5-star hotel, ANSA reported.

Rome hopes to collect 70 million to 80 million euros ($91 million to $105 million) annually from the tax. It will be paid by foreigners and those who are not residents of the capital.

"For the first time millions of visitors to Rome will leave behind a contribution to city services, which are for their use as well," Rome Deputy Mayor Mauro Cutrufo said. "It's common practice all around the world and will not damage tourism."



Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/12/24/Rome-to-tax-tourists/UPI-88091293197520/

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What a great idea. Let's tax Disneyland!

[Davis_X_Machina]

1. Good - if it works: The condition of the archaeological sites...

...and other antiquities in Italy is a scandal. The Domus Aurea was damaged heavily recently, due to negelct. There were instances this fall of building collapses in Pompeii -- they survived Vesuvius, and the first generation of archaeologists, who were often butchers -- only to fall victim to cheeseparing, corruption, and a national culture of tax avoidance that makes us look like pikers in comparison.

[MineralMan]

2. I found Rome taxing when I was there. I couldn't wait to get out into

the countryside. But, then, that's how I am everywhere when I travel. Big cities do nothing for me.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

5. I found Rome and it's people awesome.

:shrug:

[MineralMan]

8. Different strokes. I've never been much for visiting cities. They're just

the place I go before venturing out into the countryside. I did all the standard things in Rome, but that wasn't my real destination. I spent three weeks wandering around small towns in Italy. I enjoyed that much more.

Everyone has a different approach to travel, I guess.

[Sherman A1]

3. Sounds like what we do with hotels

by taxing the room nights, no big deal.

[Ruperto31]

4. Rome gets plenty of tax money from tourism already.

Rome taxes the businesses that serve tourists. The businesses pass the cost of this tax along to customers. So pace Deputy Mayor Cutrufo, this new tax will not be "the first time millions of visitors to Rome will leave behind a contribution to city services...."

[bloomington-lib]

7. I noticed that too. I'm not against the tax but it's not the first contribution.

[1monster]

6. It's called a bed tax and a lot of tourist areas already have incorporated them.

Many cities and counties in Florida have been using bed taxes for many years. My speculation is that Disney WORLD, being a government in its own right, has probably been charging some kind of bed tax since the year dot.

Bed taxes are charged on all short term rentals, including, but not limited to hotel/motel rooms, camping sites, condos, and other rental stays of less than a specified time (usually less than three or six months). The local governing body determines the time period.

The taxing amount is not onerous and brings in revenue that is used to fund many different programs and services which enhance the visitors stay in the area.

[jberryhill]

11. I was told it is the State of Florida's prime revenue source

It's surprising Rome hasn't been doing this for millennia

[1monster]

13. If so, it is not in this county (and it is a county or city tax, not a state tax) as the charge is

only three percent and only on short term rentals. And it can only be spent on tourist development and related items; for example, The Tourist Development Council can use a portion of the revenue to partially fund a cultural event such as the Florida State Play or a series of free concerts held in the City Plaza, etc.

[rasputin1952]

9. Apoplexy for Teabag types...

The equivalent of $1.31 to see some the finest architectural ruins, help maintain them and clean up the place is a pittance...yet someone will always squeal they are being taxed to death...:eyes:

I think this is a fine idea...FWIW, we've been charging people far higher fees just to get into National Parks and other places, I wish people would clean up after themselves, but that's a nasty problem no matter where one goes.

[dipsydoodle]

10. K & R

:thumbsup:

[jberryhill]

12. From now on, you'll have to throw FOUR coins in the fountain instead of three