Italy is contemplating the introduction of a new £20 tourist tax in yet another blow to holidaymakers.
Several Italian cities have brought in measures to curb overtourism and its negative effects, including congestion and rocketing housing prices.
The Italian Government is believed to be considering the new fee to dissuade visitors from flocking to popular destinations like Rome, Florence or Venice.
The move would also help local finances by filling up the coffers of local councils.
Visitors planning a stay in some of the Mediterranean country’s most expensive hotels could be asked to pay up to €25 (£20) per night.
The new fee would be on top of already-existing tourist taxes most big cities require overnight tourists to pay. Venice charges up to £4.21.
Authorities could use the extra cash to improve the quality of services to address growing demand while also safeguarding the cities.
While a poll last month found a large part of Italians are in favour of restrictions on tourism, industry officials have warned the move could backfire.
Barbara Casillo, the head of hotel industry association Confindustria Alberghi, said: “We must be very careful.
“If we scare travellers who come to us by giving the impression that we want to take what we can, we are not doing a good service to the country.”
Confindustria Alberghi president Maria Carmelo Calaiacovo insisted measures to control the influx of tourists are important but should not impact the competitiveness of Italy’s tourism sector.
Ms Colaiacovo said last month: “The sector is making an important contribution to the country’s economy, especially with the growth of international travellers, after the difficult years of Covid.
“But foreign competition is strong and fierce, we need careful policies that do not compromise the competitiveness of our businesses and our destinations. We cannot be a mere ATM for municipalities.”
Italy has already brought in measures that force companies like Airbnb to collect and remit taxes on behalf of its short-term rentals.
Florence has also introduced a ban on the licences for new short-term accommodation in the city centre.