Norway introduces a new fee for tourists. Three municipalities are the first to receive approval
Tromsø, Vågan and Stranda are the first municipalities in Norway to receive approval to introduce a tourist fee. Collection of the money may begin no earlier than 1 January 2027. The rate will be 3 percent of the accommodation price and will also apply to business travellers and conference participants.
Tromsø and other municipalities in northern Norway are particularly exposed to the impact of tourism.
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Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth confirmed the government’s decision during an October visit to Tromsø. The new regulations allow municipalities particularly burdened by tourist traffic to charge a fee on short-term accommodation, and the proceeds must be used for tourism-related expenses. These include toilets, car parks and hiking trails. The final rules for collecting the fee will depend on decisions made by individual local authorities.
First approvals granted. Municipalities will decide on the timing
The Tourist Fee Act came into force on 1 July 2026. A municipality wishing to use the new regulations must prepare a detailed plan and local rules, which are then approved by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (NFD). Tromsø, Vågan and Stranda have already completed this stage. The earliest possible date for starting collection is 1 January 2027. However, municipalities may decide for themselves whether the fee will apply all year round or only during selected periods.
In Tromsø, the local authorities want to collect it throughout the year. The fee will apply not only to leisure tourists, as business travellers and conference participants will also have to pay it. The exception in hotels will be stays by patients financed by Helfo. In Vågan, Mayor Vidar Thom Benjaminsen said that the local authorities were pleased with the approval of the application. The municipality is preparing to launch the system from the beginning of 2027.
In Tromsø, the local authorities want to collect it throughout the year. The fee will apply not only to leisure tourists, as business travellers and conference participants will also have to pay it. The exception in hotels will be stays by patients financed by Helfo. In Vågan, Mayor Vidar Thom Benjaminsen said that the local authorities were pleased with the approval of the application. The municipality is preparing to launch the system from the beginning of 2027.
Tromsø (pictured) is the main administrative centre of northern Norway.Photo: PxFuel
Stranda does not want to rush. The hotel industry raises concerns
The situation is different in Stranda. Mayor Einar Arve Nordang announced that under the current conditions, he does not intend to introduce the fee in 2027, as it is still unclear who would collect the money and how different booking channels would be handled. Bookings made through major operators one or two years in advance are also a problem. Since 2018, Stranda has advocated for a fixed amount varying by season rather than a percentage rate. The local authorities also want to wait for regulations concerning cruise ships.
The government says that regulations on this matter are expected to be ready at the beginning of January 2027. Myrseth points out that the aim is to treat cruise passengers and people using land-based accommodation in a similar way. At the same time, some hotel chains oppose the current funding model and fear double costs related to the fee and membership in local tourism organisations. Some hotels have already withdrawn from such membership. The minister assures that the government is continuing talks with the industry.
The government says that regulations on this matter are expected to be ready at the beginning of January 2027. Myrseth points out that the aim is to treat cruise passengers and people using land-based accommodation in a similar way. At the same time, some hotel chains oppose the current funding model and fear double costs related to the fee and membership in local tourism organisations. Some hotels have already withdrawn from such membership. The minister assures that the government is continuing talks with the industry.
Tromsø, Vågan and Stranda are the first local authorities interested in the new solution. The NFD is already considering further applications, including from Lyngen, Karlsøy, Vega and Bodø, as well as a joint plan by several municipalities in Lofoten. This means that from 2027, the number of places in Norway charging a tourist fee may increase.
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