Norway's business minister, Cecilie Myrseth, has criticised hotel chains objecting to a new visitor levy, as figures show tourism in northern Norway is booming, NRK reports.
A report by Menon Economics found tourism in the region had record turnover of more than 30 billion kroner, with accommodation margins of around 8 per cent, rising to 11 per cent in Troms. Chains including Strawberry and Scandic fear the municipal levy will hit profits, and several hotels have left local destination companies in protest, asking councils to pass some of the money back.
Myrseth said she had little sympathy for that argument, noting that tourists, not hotels, pay the levy. Vågan, one of five municipalities due to introduce it from 1 January, says it has no plans to give way.
Source: NRK
