Travelers may be slapped with 'ridiculous' new fees as popular city seeks millions per year

Many popular destinations struggling with overtourism and infrastructure issues are aiming to fix those problems in an often unpopular way by enacting new taxes on tourists.

The proposal envisions an accommodation charge of $1.10 to $2.20 per visitor, per night, for tourists staying in hotels or short-term lodging.

Sally-Ann O'Brien, Galway City Council's new tourism officer, spoke at a meeting this week to address concerns, the Tribune reported.

O'Brien noted that many international visitors come from Europe and are used to paying a tax, according to the Irish Independent newspaper.

Any tourism levy would require legislation and approval from the Irish government at the national level.

Councilor Alan Curran recently said an inconsistency in tourism numbers could "severely impact our ability to budget effectively," the newspaper reported.

"We need to protect ourselves from those economic shocks," he added.

When the Galway City Council discussed a motion to explore a tourist tax in 2024, a former mayor and a well-known business executive both expressed dismay.

A former mayor of Galway, Eddie Hoare, said a tourist tax could "send out the wrong message."

"We would be the laughingstock of the country if we introduced a tourist tax," he said.

Recent data shows Galway continues to attract many visitors. 

Fáilte Ireland's Key Tourism Facts 2024: Galway, a fact sheet published in 2025, reported some 1 million international visitors and 1.4 million domestic tourists, generating more than $1.08 billion.

Travelers took to Reddit to weigh in on the proposed tax.

"Have to agree. Galway is completely overpriced for what it offers," another said.

Others didn't understand the outrage and upset.

"This is a normal charge in cities around the world and works fantastically," a traveler said.

"I've never even batted an eye at paying it."

Galway attracts scores of tourists for its unique mix of history, culture and atmosphere.