From 2026, those who visit Italian cities will pay more for the tourist tax. This tax, applied to every night spent in hotels or short-term rentals, is an important resource for municipalities, because the funds will be used to improve tourist infrastructure, manage public services and enhance local heritage. Next year will bring important changes both in rates and in the destination of the money raised.
The expected increases
The 2026 Budget Law allows provincial capital municipalities to increase the tax by up to 2 euros per night. Milan has already applied these price increases last November: 5-star hotels now pay 10 euros per night (previously they were 7 euros), 4-star hotels reach the same figure, while 3-star hotels have gone from 6.3 to 7.4 euros. Short-term rentals like Airbnb have risen from 6.3 to 9.5 euros per night.
The increase responds to the need to support municipal finances and cover the costs of services intended for tourists. In some cities, it will also be used to finance special events such as the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Special Olympic Tax
The 2026 Winter Olympics introduce an important innovation, which authorizes the municipalities of Lombardy and Veneto located within 30 kilometers of the Olympic venues to apply an additional tax of up to 5 euros per night. This temporary tax serves to finance preparations for the sporting event and to improve the infrastructure of the areas involved. The aim is to welcome visitors during the Games and leave the cities with more modern tourist facilities.
Where the money goes
The Budget Law establishes precise rules on the use of funds. At least 70% of the money collected remains with the municipalities, which must invest it in tourist services, public infrastructures or tourism-related activities. The remaining 30% goes to the State for social projects: support for the Single Fund for the inclusion of people with disabilities and aid for minors in family homes.
Revenue forecasts
The National Observatory on Tourist Tax estimates that in 2025 Italian municipalities collected around 1 billion and 186 million euros, with an increase of 15.8% compared to 2024. For 2026, considering the price increases and the new Olympic taxes, the revenue could reach 1 billion and 300 million euros. 2026 will therefore mark an important change for the tourist tax, with direct effects on tourists and municipal budgets.
