Travelers take note, keep an extra Rs 750 on hand when you leave for your next Thailand trip. Because Thailand is coming back with tourism tax. 300 baht or 750 rupees is going to be charged as tourism tax. The news was shared by the newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Sorawong Thienthong. According to reports, Rs 750 as tourism tax may be announced without delay.

Sorawong took over as the new Tourism Minister on 16 The minister expressed his desire to increase tourism in Thailand immediately after assuming office. He stated that he is committed to increase the income from the country’s tourism sector to three trillion baht within a year. The minister believes that this tax will be a big benefit for the tourism sector.

The revenue will be used for development of tourist destinations, enhancement of infrastructure and ensuring safety of visitors. At the same time, he indicated that additional time is needed to assess the best way to implement the tax.

Some have been exempted from the new tourism tax. Also a structure has been fixed for the new tax. Visitors arriving by air will be charged a tax of 300 baht (750 INR). 150 baht (380 INR) will be charged for those arriving by road and sea. Meanwhile, children under two years of age are exempted from this tax. Transit passengers, holders of diplomatic passports and persons with work permits are also exempted from the tourist tax.

Other countries that have introduced a tourism tax

Thailand is not the only country to impose a tourism tax. There are other countries and cities that charge tourism tax like this. Cities such as Edinburgh and Barcelona charge local tax and a city surcharge. Paris Charges are charged depending on the place of stay and star rating. Those who stay in luxury hotels are charged higher rates. Venice also charges a tourist tax depending on the luxury of the accommodation chosen.

Overnight stays in Austria are taxed. It varies in tax by province. Belgium has a tourist tax depending on the city and the size and rating of the hotel. In Brussels this tax can be as high as 7.50 euros (about Rs. 702) per room.

Bhutan charges a fee of $100 or Rs 8395 to restrict the number of tourists entering the country. This is part of preserving the country’s environment and cultural heritage. The tax is expected to remain in place until 2027.