The Mayor of MilanGiuseppe Sala, proposed a increase in tourist tax for luxury hotelsas part of a strategy to manage the growing tourist influx in the city. In a recent live broadcast on Instagram, Sala suggested doubling the tax for four- and five-star hotels, bringing it from 5 to 10 euros per night.
This measure would focus mainly on “high-spending” tourists, i.e. those who can afford stays in luxury facilities, and would serve to raise funds for the municipal budgetincreasingly under pressure.
Sala explained that tourism in Milan is strong growthespecially the international one, with numbers constantly increasing compared to the past. In 2023, the city recorded 8.5 million tourists, while the metropolitan area reached 11.5 million. The 2024 data show further positive signs, with a record 900,000 tourists in July alone. Tourism, according to Sala, is no longer limited to a specific season: visitors come throughout the year.
Overtourism: these are the problems of Milan
Despite this success, the mayor highlighted some problems related to tourist influx. Firstly the need to encourage visitors to also explore the peripheral neighborhoodsas well as the historic center and the most iconic places such as Piazza Duomo.
The objective is to enhance all areas of the city, making Milan a more balanced tourist destination. Furthermore, Sala reiterated the importance of improve the management of Malpensa airport ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with a plan to increase the number of international routes.
Another critical point raised by the mayor concerns the short rentalswhich Sala says are creating problems for residents and those looking for long-term housing solutions. While not criticizing those who rent occasionally to supplement their income, Sala denounced the phenomenon of entire buildings intended exclusively for short-term rentalsa practice that penalizes citizens looking for a home.
Sala therefore expressed the need to find a balance between attracting tourism and protecting residentsunderlining that the increase in the tourist tax could help support public services and improve the liveability of the city.
