Milan Approves New Tourist Tax Rates for 2026
The city of Milan has officially approved new tourist tax rates, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This significant increase is directly linked to preparations for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, aiming to generate crucial resources for infrastructure and services connected to the international event. The Milan city council passed the resolution, numbered 1418, on November 13, 2025, formalizing the changes.
New Rates and Legislative Framework
The revised tourist tax structure will see varying increases across different accommodation categories. For four- and five-star hotels, the tax will rise to €10 per person per night. Guests in three-star hotels will pay €7.40, while those in two-star hotels will be charged €5, and one-star hotels will incur a €4 tax.
For non-hotel accommodations, the rates are also adjusted:
- Short-term holiday rentals (including tourist apartments, B&Bs, and holiday homes under Legislative Decree 50/2017) will see a tax of €9.50 per night.
- Holiday homes (case per ferie) will have a rate of €7.00.
- Youth hostels and outdoor accommodations, such as campsites, will apply a €3.00 nightly tax.
This increase is not an isolated decision but is based on an Italian state decree, specifically the 'Advance Payments (Anticipi) decree' or 'DL Anticipi (Decree-Law 156/2025)'. This legislation permits municipalities located within 30 kilometers of Olympic venues in the Lombardy and Veneto regions to raise their tourist tax by up to €5 per night.
Purpose and Allocation of Funds
The increased tax is a temporary measure, valid exclusively for the year 2026. According to the city administration, the revenue generated will be split: half will be allocated to the usual purposes of the tourist tax, such as destination promotion and the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage. The other half will be directed towards financing Olympic-related projects, including infrastructure upgrades, improvements to transport services, and the adaptation of facilities for the Games. The tax is applicable per person, per night, for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights in the same accommodation facility.
Industry Reaction and Potential Impact
The decision has met with opposition from Milan's hotel and tourism sector. Industry representatives have described the measure as 'disproportionate and unsustainable,' expressing concerns that it could negatively impact business tourism and overall visitor numbers. There are fears of a 'boomerang effect' on post-event conference and leisure tourism, potentially shifting choices toward other destinations.
5 Comments
ZmeeLove
It's understandable that Milan needs funds for the Games, but the hotel industry's concerns about a 'boomerang effect' are valid. Future tourism might take a significant hit.
Coccinella
High-end hotels and wealthy tourists can easily absorb this. Good for the local economy.
Muchacha
Raising funds for Olympic infrastructure is a clear benefit for the city, however, the timing and magnitude of this increase might damage Milan's reputation as an affordable destination. They need to manage this perception carefully.
Mariposa
Targeting higher-end hotels makes sense to an extent, yet even a €9.50 tax on short-term rentals feels quite high. It risks making Milan less accessible for diverse travel budgets.
Bella Ciao
The tax is temporary, which is a relief, but even for a year, it could significantly impact business and budget travelers. Hope the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term losses.