HOTEL BASICS
City taxes and tourism fees: what agents should tell clients before they travel
Published October 27, 2026
Many destinations charge a city tax, tourism fee or similar local charge, and it is often paid by the guest directly at the hotel rather than included in the room rate. If agents do not mention it early, clients are surprised at check-in and may blame the agent.
The rules differ from country to country and even between cities. Some charges are per room per night, some are per person, and some depend on the hotel's star category. Children may be exempt in some places and charged in others. Because rules change, always confirm the current charge with your supplier instead of relying on memory.
Check how the fee is shown in the booking. Some supplier rates include it in the price, while others list it as a payment to be made at the property. Read the rate notes carefully and copy the exact wording into your quote so the client knows what to expect.
Tell the client in writing before the trip. A short line such as 'A local tourism fee may be payable directly at the hotel and is not included in this price' protects both you and the client. Mention that the amount and payment method are set by the hotel or local authority.
When you compare two hotels, compare the total cost including these fees. A hotel with a lower room rate can end up costing more once local charges are added, especially on longer stays or for larger families.