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Ostend to increase tourist tax as from next year
Ostend is to increase the tourist tax with 0.83 euros per night as from 2020. The so-called City Tax will boost revenues, which will allow the city to make more investments in low-season events, the city explains.
Ostend Mayor Bart Tommelein (liberal) says "tourism is an important engine of our city. The tourist tax allowed us to stage more events in winter in the past. This made Ostend a city of all seasons. The new cash that will be generated, should make sure we can continue and reinforce this trend."
The decision to lift the tax was taken after consulting the hospitality industry. They demand all the extra money be invested in promotion campaigns outside the traditional high peak season.