Visitors to Rome will pay a small tourist tax for the maintenance of archaeological sites, street cleaning and transportation improvements starting Jan. 1.
The tax will range from 1 euro (about $1.31) to 3 euros ($3.93) and will be charged on everything from renting a campsite to staying in a 5-star hotel, ANSA reported.
Rome hopes to collect 70 million to 80 million euros ($91 million to $105 million) annually from the tax. It will be paid by foreigners and those who are not residents of the capital.
"For the first time millions of visitors to Rome will leave behind a contribution to city services, which are for their use as well," Rome Deputy Mayor Mauro Cutrufo said. "It's common practice all around the world and will not damage tourism."
Cutrufo said the tax would benefit all Romans and visitors, along with companies and employees working in the tourism industry.
Five percent of the money will be reinvested to promote tourism. A similar proposal in 2006 was ditched amid protests from the tourism industry.
Source: UPI [December 24, 2010]