Popular Destinations Introduce Tourist Tax
This year, travelers visiting international hotspots could face higher costs due to new tourist taxes. Numerous countries have started to implement the fees to counter the negative impacts of growing tourism in these local areas.In February, Indonesia introduced a tourist tax of approximately 15,700 won, to be paid by visitors to the popular island of Bali. Government authorities plan to use the revenue to protect the island’s natural environment, improve infrastructure, and boost jobs for local residents.Meanwhile, the famously romantic city of Venice has started to collect an entrance fee of about 8,600 won from this spring. The funds will be used for maintenance purposes such as waste cleanup and the upkeep of public buildings.Although not implemented yet, government officials in Hawaii have proposed collection a “climate impact fee” from visitors. The funds would be used for conservation efforts such as beach preservation, fire barriers, and other prevention measures.Such new tourist taxes have drawn a negative response from some tourist experts. They are concerned that the increased costs for travelers could put a damper on the tourism industry in these places. They say tourists may be less inclined to visit these places, which could affect businesses and job opportunities.However, not everyone is opposed to the tourist taxes. According to a pol l, over 60 percent of Australians support introducing these fees because the revenue could be used for nature conservation and the protection of local culture. Moreover, 10 percent of the respondents said that they would also be willing to pay a tourist fee when traveling to other countries.Regardless of whether people are for or against the tourist taxes, we can expect more tourist locations to implement them in the future.
Questions :
1. What is the purpose of the tourist tax introduced in Bali, Indonesia?
2. How much is the entrance fee for visitors to Venice, and what will the funds be used for?
3. What type of fee has been proposed by government officials in Hawaii?
4. What are some concerns raised by tourist experts about the new tourist taxes?
5. Why do you think some people support the introduction of tourist taxes? Would you be willing to pay a tourist tax if it helps protect the environment and local culture? Why or why not?
