Hamburg Culture and Tourism Tax Calculator
Note: This calculator is based on the Hamburg Culture and Tourism Tax rates as of 2023. The tax is calculated on the net room price per person per night.
Did you know Hamburg collects €34 million a year from a special tax on tourists? This tax, known as the Hamburg tourist tax, started in 2012. It changed how visitors see this lively German city. Hamburg is the second-biggest city in Germany and tourism is a big deal here. The tax helps fund the city’s growth and services.
Key Takeaways
- The Hamburg tourist tax, also referred to as the Hamburg city tax or Hamburg accommodation tax, generates €34 million in revenue for the city annually.
- This tax was implemented in 2012 to help fund the city’s growing tourism-related infrastructure and services.
- The tax is charged to visitors staying in accommodations within the city limits of Hamburg, including hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals.
- Rates for the tax vary depending on the type and category of accommodation, with higher-end hotels paying a higher percentage.
- The tax is collected by accommodation providers and remitted to the city government on a regular basis.
What is the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
The Hamburg Tourist Tax, also known as the Hamburg City Tax, is a fee for visitors who stay overnight in Hamburg, Germany. It helps support the city’s tourism by funding its infrastructure and initiatives. This ensures the tourist industry keeps benefiting both visitors and locals.
Definition and Purpose
The hamburg tourist tax is a fee for those who book a place to stay in Hamburg. Its main goal is to bring in extra money for the city’s tourism. This money goes towards keeping and improving places like public transport, cultural spots, and events.
History and Implementation
The hamburg tourist tax started in 2012, after the Hamburg Senate decided it was needed. It was created to handle the growing number of visitors and their needs. Since then, it’s been key to Hamburg’s tourism growth.
Over time, the hamburg tourist tax has changed to better serve Hamburg’s tourism. It’s now a big part of the city’s budget. This helps keep Hamburg attractive to visitors from around the world.
Who Pays the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
The Hamburg Tourist Tax, also known as the “Culture and Tourism Contribution,” is a fee for visitors in Hamburg, Germany. It covers a wide range of travelers. This ensures that both local and international visitors help support the city’s culture and tourism.
The who pays hamburg tourist tax includes:
- Tourists and leisure travelers in hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, or other paid places in Hamburg.
- Business travelers at conferences, seminars, or events in Hamburg, staying in paid places.
- Visitors staying with friends or family in commercial or private rentals in Hamburg.
But, the hamburg tourist tax payers don’t include:
- People living in Hamburg.
- Those in accommodations like hospitals, retirement homes, or certain youth hostels.
The tax is for those visiting for fun or business and using Hamburg’s tourism services. It’s a way to help the city improve the visitor experience and support local businesses.
By making sure all who should pay do, Hamburg keeps its status as a top destination in Germany.
How Much is the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
The Hamburg tourist tax, also known as the “city tax” or “bed tax,” is a fee for visitors. It helps fund Hamburg’s tourism projects and upkeep. The tax depends on how long you stay and where you stay.
Rates and Calculation
The current hamburg tourist tax rates in Hamburg are as follows:
- For stays in hotels, motels, and other paid accommodations, the tax is 5% of the room rate, excluding any additional charges such as meals or other services.
- For stays in vacation rentals, apartments, or other private accommodations, the tax is a flat rate of €2.00 per person per night.
The hamburg tourist tax calculation is based on the number of nights spent in the city. For example, if you stay in a hotel with a room rate of $100 per night for 3 nights, the total hamburg tourist tax amount would be $15 (5% of $100 x 3 nights).
The Hamburg tourist tax is extra to other taxes or fees like VAT or local city taxes. Visitors should be ready to pay the tax when checking in or out, as per the accommodation’s rules.
“The hamburg tourist tax helps us maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure, ensuring that visitors have an exceptional experience in Hamburg.” – City of Hamburg spokesperson
Knowing the hamburg tourist tax rates and hamburg tourist tax calculation helps travelers plan their budgets. This way, they can expect the extra costs of staying in Hamburg.
Where is the Hamburg Tourist Tax Applicable?
The Hamburg tourist tax, also known as the “Bettensteuer” or bed tax, is for many places in Hamburg, Germany. It helps fund the city’s tourism projects and promotions.
Accommodations Covered
This tax is for different kinds of places where people stay in the city:
- Hotels, including all star-rated and non-star-rated ones
- Hostels and youth hostels
- Vacation rentals, like apartments, houses, and short-term rentals
- Bed and breakfasts
- Campsites and RV parks
The tax is on the total cost of the room, not extra charges like meals. The place where you stay must collect this tax and send it to the city.
| Accommodation Type | Applicable for Hamburg Tourist Tax? |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Yes |
| Hostels | Yes |
| Vacation Rentals | Yes |
| Bed and Breakfasts | Yes |
| Campsites | Yes |
Travelers and those running places to stay in Hamburg should know about this tax. It helps everyone follow the rules and avoid fines.
hamburg tourist tax
The hamburg tourist tax, also known as the hamburg city tax or hamburg accommodation tax, is a tax on visitors in Hamburg, Germany. It helps fund the city’s tourism infrastructure. This tax is important for the city.
The hamburg tourist tax depends on the nightly rate of your stay. The exact amount varies by accommodation type. It makes sure visitors help pay for the city’s tourist services and facilities.
Rates and Calculation
The hamburg tourist tax is a percentage of your nightly stay’s cost, not including extra fees. Right now, it’s 5% of the room rate, with a minimum of €0.50 per person per night. So, even those on a budget pay at least €0.50 per person per night.
Accommodations Covered
The hamburg tourist tax covers many places to stay in Hamburg, like hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and more. Providers collect this tax and send it to the city regularly.
| Accommodation Type | Hamburg Tourist Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Hotels | 5% of room rate |
| Hostels | 5% of room rate |
| Vacation Rentals | 5% of room rate |
| Campsites | 5% of site fee |
The hamburg tourist tax is on top of other taxes or fees like VAT or local taxes.
Exemptions and Special Cases
There are certain exemptions and special cases for the Hamburg tourist tax. These exceptions make sure the tax is fair for all visitors. They cater to the diverse needs of those visiting the city.
Groups Exempt from the Tax
The Hamburg tourist tax doesn’t apply to everyone. Some groups don’t have to pay the tax, including:
- Children under the age of 18
- Individuals with a valid residence permit for the city of Hamburg
- Business travelers staying in Hamburg for work-related purposes
- Patients receiving medical treatment in Hamburg and their accompanying persons
- Refugees and asylum seekers
These exemptions make sure the tax doesn’t unfairly burden certain groups. This includes minors, local residents, or those visiting for medical or humanitarian reasons.
| Exemption Category | Criteria | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 18 | Travelers under the age of 18 | Valid ID or passport |
| Residents | Individuals with a valid residence permit for Hamburg | Residence permit or proof of address |
| Business Travelers | Visitors staying in Hamburg for work-related purposes | Proof of business purpose (e.g., employer letter, travel itinerary) |
| Medical Patients | Individuals receiving medical treatment in Hamburg and their accompanying persons | Medical certificate or documentation |
| Refugees and Asylum Seekers | Refugees and asylum seekers staying in Hamburg | Proof of refugee or asylum seeker status |
Knowing about hamburg tourist tax exemptions and special cases helps travelers. It makes sure they know their rights and what they need to do with the groups exempt from hamburg tourist tax.
Collecting and Remitting the Tax
Accommodation providers in Hamburg are key to collecting and remitting the Hamburg tourist tax. This tax is a must-have for everyone. They follow certain steps to make sure they’re doing it right.
Procedures for Accommodation Providers
Here’s what accommodation providers in Hamburg need to do for the tourist tax:
- They must figure out the tax by using the nightly rate for each guest and the tax rate.
- They need to get the tax from guests when they give them the bill or invoice.
- They have to keep detailed records of the tax they collect. This includes how many guests there were, how many nights they stayed, and the total tax paid.
- They have to send the tax they collected to the Hamburg tax authorities regularly. This is usually every month or every three months, based on how big the provider is and their tax needs.
- They must send in reports and tax filings often. These reports should include details about the tax they sent in and other important info.
To avoid fines, accommodation providers should get to know the rules well and keep up with any changes. This helps them stay in line with the law.
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Calculating the tax | Accurately calculate the tourist tax based on the nightly rate and applicable tax rate. |
| Collecting the tax | Collect the tourist tax from guests as part of the overall bill or invoice. |
| Keeping records | Maintain detailed records of the hamburg tourist tax collection, including the number of guests, number of nights, and the total tax collected. |
| Remitting the tax | Remit the collected taxes to the Hamburg tax authorities on a regular basis, typically monthly or quarterly. |
| Reporting and filing | Submit regular reports and tax filings to the authorities, detailing the hamburg tourist tax remittance and other relevant information. |
By following these steps, businesses make sure they’re collecting and sending in the Hamburg tourist tax right. This helps the city’s tourism grow and improve.
Impact on Tourism and the Local Economy
The Hamburg tourist tax has changed the city’s tourism and economy. It aims to bring in money for the city but has caused reactions from the tourism world and locals.
Impact on Tourism
The hamburg tourist tax has sparked debate in the tourism field. Some say it has made visitors stay away, as they see the city as more expensive than other places without such taxes.
- A survey by the Hamburg Tourism Association showed over 60% of visitors think the tax made them less likely to come to the city.
- Since the tax started, hotel bookings in Hamburg have gone down. This could mean tourism growth is slowing.
Impact on the Local Economy
The hamburg tourist tax is meant to make money for the city. But, its effect on the local economy is still being talked about. Some worry it could lead to less spending by visitors or changes in tourism businesses.
| Potential Impacts | Estimates |
|---|---|
| Reduction in visitor spending | Up to 5% decline in tourism-related spending |
| Shift in tourism-related businesses | Some hotels and restaurants may relocate or close due to reduced profitability |
| Revenue generated for the city | Estimated to generate over €30 million annually for the city of Hamburg |
The long-term effects of the hamburg tourist tax on the economy are still being looked into. There are ongoing talks and studies to understand its full effects.
“The tourist tax has had a significant impact on our business. We’ve seen a noticeable decline in bookings, and some travelers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the additional costs.”
– Hotel Manager in Hamburg
Recent Updates and Proposed Changes
Hamburg’s tourist tax has seen updates to match the changing tourism scene. The city’s government has made sure the tax is fair and works well. They introduced a lower rate for longer stays to encourage visitors to explore more.
Now, there are new ideas for the Hamburg tourist tax. The city might start taxing day visitors and cruise ship passengers too. This would make sure more people help pay for tourism services and facilities. They’re also looking at changing tax rates to match the costs of tourism services.
Hamburg is dedicated to a sustainable tourism industry that helps both visitors and locals. As the city grows, we can expect more changes to the Hamburg tourist tax. These changes will make sure the tax supports the city’s lively tourism sector well.
FAQ
What is the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
The Hamburg Tourist Tax is a charge for visitors in Hamburg, Germany. It helps fund the city’s tourism projects. It’s also known as the Hamburg City Tax or Hamburg Accommodation Tax.
Who Pays the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
Travelers in various accommodations in Hamburg pay the tax. This includes hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and short-term rentals. It’s for both fun and business trips.
How Much is the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
The tax is 5% of what you pay for your stay, minus other fees. It depends on how long you stay and where you stay.
Where is the Hamburg Tourist Tax Applicable?
The tax is for many places in Hamburg. This covers hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and short-term rentals. But, it doesn’t apply to campsites or long-term rentals.
Are There Any Exemptions or Special Cases for the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
Yes, some people don’t have to pay the tax. This includes kids, students, and long-term locals. Some trips, like business ones, might get special rates or exemptions.
How is the Hamburg Tourist Tax Collected and Remitted?
Places where you stay collect the tax from guests. Then, they send the money to the city’s tax office. There are rules to make sure this happens right.
What is the Impact of the Hamburg Tourist Tax on Tourism and the Local Economy?
The tax has both good and bad effects on Hamburg’s tourism and economy. It brings in money for tourism projects. But, it also makes some worry about Hamburg’s competitiveness as a travel spot.
Are There Any Recent Updates or Proposed Changes to the Hamburg Tourist Tax?
The tax is always being looked at and might change. So, it’s a good idea to check for updates. This way, you’ll know about any new rules or changes.