Poland moves to allow more municipalities to charge tourist fee
Kraków, which received 8.7 million overnight tourists last year, had appealed for a change to the law.
Poland is set to allow more municipalities to charge tourist fees, with environmental requirements for levying such charges being removed from the law. Kraków, which saw 8.7 million overnight tourists in the past year, had been pushing for the change. The new law, signed by President Karol Nawrocki, allows municipalities with scenic qualities to charge visitors up to 5 zloty (€1.14) per night for stays in hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals, up to one month in duration.
Previously, only overnight tourists were required to pay the fee, but the new legislation applies to all visits, including for work or health purposes. The fee now applies to all visitors, with exemptions for people with significant disabilities, children with certified disabilities, and their carers. Kraków, known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Wawel royal castle, and former Jewish district of Kazimierz, had previously charged a tourist fee between 2004 and 2015 before stricter environmental requirements were imposed.
The city, which also recently created the position of "night mayor" to address tensions between tourists, businesses, and residents, hopes to generate revenue to maintain the city amidst increasing tourist influx.
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