Norway proposes tourism tax in Longyearbyen to protect Arctic sustainability

The Norwegian government has proposed implementing a tourism tax in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to support local infrastructure and services, reports High North News. This initiative was announced by Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth during a press conference in Tromsø on November 19, 2024. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment, as outlined in the Svalbard white paper released earlier this year, to promote sustainable tourism that safeguards the region’s unique environment and supports the local community.

• The proposed tax aims to ensure that visitors contribute to the maintenance and development of infrastructure and services essential for tourism activities in Longyearbyen. Increased tourist activity has led to greater strain on existing infrastructure, necessitating higher maintenance costs and new investments.
• The tax would apply to accommodations in Longyearbyen and to passengers embarking or disembarking from cruise and expedition ships in the area. This approach seeks to distribute the financial responsibility among all visitors benefiting from local amenities.
• Funds collected from the tax would be shared between the state and the Longyearbyen Community Council. The council oversees critical infrastructure and services, including roads, water supply, drainage, energy, health services, and emergency resources, all vital to supporting tourism.
• The proposal is currently open for public comment, with a deadline of January 3, 2025. Following this period, the Ministry of Justice will draft detailed regulations to govern the implementation of the tourism tax, which will also be subject to public consultation.