From January 1, 2025

Financing of tourism in Tyrol revised

Tirol remains very popular with guests as a vacation destination.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer/APA/Barbara Gindl/Krone KREATIV)

The financing of tourism in Tyrol has been revised. A corresponding amendment is to come into force on January 1, 2025. The most important change is that the tax for businesses that profit little from tourism will be reduced by an average of 24 percent. On the other hand, tourists will have to dig deeper into their pockets for the visitor's tax.

Ten million euros in relief for the Tyrolean economy. This promise was made on Monday by Governor Anton Mattle and State Councillor for Economic Affairs and Tourism Mario Gerber (both ÖVP). How will this be achieved? With an amendment to tourism financing. This was submitted for review in the afternoon and is set to come into force on January 1, 2025. And this is what it looks like:

Tirol is a leading tourism region. Locals and guests alike benefit from the high-quality infrastructure and public transport connections.

LH Anton Mattle

Bild: Birbaumer Christof

Tourism levy for businesses remains
Tourism levy: Despite repeated criticism from businesses in the past, the levy will remain in place. However, companies whose direct benefit from tourism is lower will have to pay an average of 24 percent less. In addition, a tax-free amount of 2500 euros will be introduced. Turnover below this amount is exempt from tax.

Tyrol remains very popular with visitors as a vacation destination.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer/APA/Barbara Gindl/Krone KREATIV)

Tourists have to pay more
Contribution groups: The occupational groups, of which there are currently 616, will be revised. Around 60 outdated ones are likely to be deleted and 50 new ones defined. The bottom line is that there will then be around 600 occupational groups.

Sojourn tax: Tourists will have to dig deeper into their pockets. The minimum local tax per day will increase from one to 2.60 euros. The maximum amount is five euros. The tourism associations will continue to set the amount themselves.

We have evaluated the system and are starting to modernize it. The funding is a guarantee that Tirol will hold its own in the face of tough competition.

LR Mario Gerber

Bild: Birbaumer Christof

Department to be expanded into a service center
Beitragsservice: The Tourism and Contribution Service department is being expanded into a service center. Including two service hotlines for tax consultants, accountants and stakeholders as well as companies subject to contributions. The aim is to make the collection process more transparent and optimize the dunning process.

"Further development is necessary to be successful"
"Tourism brings prosperity, jobs and development opportunities. If we want to continue to be successful, we need to further develop the financial basis," said Mattle.

As part of the amendment to tourism financing, tourists will have to dig deeper into their pockets from January 2025. A maximum of five euros per guest per night is possible.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

According to Gerber, "the two-tier tourism financing is a guarantee that Tirol can hold its own in the tough competition for guests. With the tourism tax, the companies enable the continuation of tourism, while the guests make a contribution to the offer with their tax". Study author Hubert Siller from MCI added that "the taxes also flow into infrastructure, events and public mobility".