Are tourism taxes the way of the future, as destinations look for sustainable travel strategies?

And just as important, will more destinations jump on the tourism tax bandwagon – and is there any guarantee monies raised will actually go towards sustainability solutions?

Following on the heels of Venice’s so-called entrance fee, comes news about Iceland’s tourist tax.

As reported in publications including Travel + Leisure and others, Iceland’s tax for visitors is aimed at shoring up resources to further the country’s sustainable tourism goals.

Iceland has seen a steep rise in visitor numbers over the past decade or so. Iceland’s prime minister said the tax amount would be nominal and likely be levied as a city tax on visitors.

Earlier this month Venice’s city council voted in favour of an entrance fee for visitors. So far the fee – five euros a day – will only be charged on 30 high-traffic days, still to be determined.