Hoteliers in Paris are up in arms over the government’s hikes in tourist taxes, which increased by 300% per night spent in Paris in January ahead of the Olympic Games.
Tourist taxes in Paris last year varied from €0.25 (R5) per night for the most affordable accommodation options to €5 (R104) per night for luxury accommodation. The tax increased on January 1 this year to as much as €14,95 (R309) for luxury hotels.
The French government would collect €423 million (R8,7 billion) during 2024 alone. This amount is to be used to support the public transport sector, which has also increased metro fares ahead of the Olympic Games for single tickets and 10-ride passes to nearly double the normal rate.
President Emmanuel Macron passed the law without a vote by invoking Article 49.3 of the French Constitution. Catherine Querard, a leader in the Groupement National de Chaines Hôtelières union for the hospitality and catering sector, said the government had expressed concerns that hotel prices would rise rapidly in 2024, “but they’re sending the tax rate through the roof. Then they’ll come and blame us.”
Paris has not only hiked prices for accommodation and transport but for tourist attractions as well. In December last year, it was announced that ticket prices for the Louvre Museum would increase by €5. This 30% increase was needed to cover a rise in energy costs and to allow free entry to visitors under 18, teachers and journalists.
The UMIH hotel and restaurant union said the tourist price hikes would deal a massive blow to France’s image at a time when all the world’s eyes were on the upcoming Olympic Games.
