The European Tourism Association (ETOA) had no knowledge of this exceptional measure.
The city of light and love, Paris, is about to become the center of world sports with the 2024 Summer Olympics. But this honor comes with a price, literally, for the millions of visitors who flock to the French capital. It was recently announced that the tourist tax in Paris will be drastically increased, which has aroused both surprise and criticism.
This significant increase in the tourist tax is laid down in Article 140 of the Financial Law 2024, which was published on December 29, 2023. This legislation imposes a surcharge of up to 200% on part of the tax, in favor of regional transport in Paris. This change affects all municipalities in the Île-de-France region that levy an overnight tax.
While the Olympic Games were supposed to symbolize a period of sporting triumphs and international cooperation, they now also appear to usher in an era of increased costs and financial burdens on visitors.
The standard 'taxe de séjour' (overnight tax) in Paris has increased by 1% as of January 2024, 10 compared to 2023, largely in line with recent inflation. However, this new legal provision allows a surcharge of up to 200% on one element of the tax. This measure will affect travelers from January 1, 2024, where the tax for overnight stays could be almost 200 percent higher.
Guests staying in accommodations such as 1-star hotels, holiday villages, guest rooms or hostels will experience a relatively moderate increase in rates, as the new charge will be €2,60, compared to the previous rate of €1 in 2023.
Hotel rooms in Paris are also showing a significant increase, with prices on average more than 300% higher than usual for this summer. The city is preparing for an overwhelming number of visitors, estimated at more than 11 million, when the event kicks off on July 26.
