Polish government plans higher local and spa taxes for overnight guests

Poland's cabinet has adopted a draft law that revises the local accommodation levy and the so-called climate fee for spa regions. The legislation caps the maximum charge at 5 zł per night for ordinary tourist areas and 5.50 zł for protected spa districts, with the exact amount to be decided by each municipal council. All persons staying at least one night in hotels, pensions, campsites, shelters, private rooms or sanatoria will be subject to the fee, irrespective of whether their visit is for leisure, work or health reasons.

The responsibility for collecting the charge shifts to the accommodation providers, who will be compensated for timely payments. The bill also lists exemptions for people with severe disabilities, children up to 16 with proper documentation, individuals with moderate visual impairment and one caretaker per disabled person, as well as guests staying longer than 29 consecutive nights, such as seasonal workers or students.

Municipalities will retain flexibility to vary rates by duration, season or visitor age and may introduce additional waivers. The changes are intended to simplify the system and boost revenues for tourist municipalities, many of which have struggled to collect the fee due to air-quality standards.