23:27 18 August 2026
Krakow wants to introduce a tourist tax like Venice
Krakow is renewing efforts to introduce a tourist tax similar to those used in major European cities. The city has had a legislative proposal ready since 2017 and wants the government to change current rules, which effectively prevent large cities from charging a standard tourist fee.
Krakow proposes linking the tax to cultural attractions, tourism infrastructure and landscape value rather than environmental criteria. Municipalities would decide whether to introduce the fee, while the Finance Ministry would set a maximum rate. All revenue would go directly to local budgets. Krakow argues that such funding is needed to help cover the cost of infrastructure, historic sites and public services in a city visited by more than 10 mln people annually.
