Riga to double tourism tax from 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, the tourism tax in Riga will double from the current €1 to €2 per person per night, following amendments to the binding regulations adopted by the Riga City Council.

The tax will be €1.78 plus value-added tax, totalling €2. The maximum charge for a continuous stay is capped at €17.80.

The agreement was reached during meetings between the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency (RITA), city officials, and representatives of tourism organisations and businesses. Additional revenue will be allocated to strengthening Riga's international competitiveness, tourism marketing, and business tourism development.

Plans include bolstering the "Meet Riga" brand and establishing the Riga Congress Bureau to attract international conferences and business events. This is intended to help Riga compete with neighbouring capitals while boosting the hospitality, catering, transport, and other service sectors.

The municipality notes that foreign tourist flows continue to be affected by the geopolitical situation and economic challenges. Riga currently has one of the lowest tourism taxes in Europe at €1, while Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga charge €2 per night, and many other European cities have even higher rates. Other Latvian municipalities are gradually introducing similar taxes—for example, Kuldīga introduced a €1.5 tax this year.

Riga first introduced the tourism tax in 2023 but reduced it to €0.89 (€1 including VAT) later that same year.