Camping operators warn tourist tax could push them out of business

A proposed tourist tax in Finland could force camping operators out of the market and hand Sweden a competitive edge, industry leaders warn.

The government’s draft law would allow municipalities to levy a 2–5% fee on accommodation prices, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The Finnish Camping Association says operators have already struggled to pass previous tax hikes to customers.

“The implementation of VAT and tourist tax increases for the accommodation sector within a few years is very concerning,” said Kimmo Laatta, chair of the association’s board.

Last year, Finnish campsites recorded about 2.5 million overnight stays, compared to roughly 17 million in Sweden. Laatta argues Finland should avoid giving its neighbor further advantage through taxation.

He cites cultural differences in camping, Sweden’s larger number of sites, its milder southern climate, and proximity to international travelers as factors behind the gap. Swedish campers also stay longer on average—four days versus 1.8 in Finland.

Inka Howorth, co-owner of the newly opened Taika Camping in Janakkala, remains cautiously optimistic. She has seen more foreign visitors than expected, with Germans making up the largest group. A small tourist tax would not yet worry her, but a fee nearing €10 would.

“I don’t expect to get rich from this,” Howorth said. “Hopefully, it will gradually grow into a livelihood that lets me leave my day job.”

Finland raised VAT by four percentage points at the start of 2025 on goods and services previously taxed at 10%, including accommodation. The rate was later reduced by half a percentage point in 2026.