Norway's trade and industry minister, Cecilie Myrseth of the Labour Party (Ap), announced in Tromsø that Tromsø, Vågan and Stranda are the first three municipalities cleared to introduce a visitor fee. The earliest collection date is 1 January 2027, according to NRK.
The visitor fee law was passed by the Storting in June 2025 and took effect on 1 July this year. Municipalities with a particularly heavy tourism load must prepare a plan and local regulations, which the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries must approve before the rules can be put into force. "How much money it gives depends on how many come and at what price. But that this will make a difference in Tromsø, I am quite sure," Myrseth said, noting that guests are already being flown in during October.
In Tromsø, tourism chief Helga Bårdsdatter Kristiansen at Visit Tromsø-Region called the approval long-awaited news that creates less uncertainty for the industry. "Everyone must pay, including business travellers and conference guests. The only exception at hotels is patient stays via Helfo," she said.
Vågan, in the heart of Lofoten, faces wear on nature and too little capacity in toilets, roads, parking and waste. In Stranda, large tourist numbers in Geiranger strain roads, parking, quays and sanitary facilities.
Stranda mayor Einar Arve Nordang (Sp) welcomed the approval but criticised the design of the scheme. "I have told the industry that for my part it is not relevant to introduce anything in 2027," he said, adding that the municipality needs time and does not yet know who will collect the money. The municipal council will wait for the announced cruise fee regulation.
Myrseth said the goal is for it to be ready in early January.
Hotel chains Scandic and Strawberry have warned the tax will wreck profitability, and several hotels have withdrawn from local destination companies. "When visitor fees are introduced to finance destination development, we believe it is important to look at how future development should be financed," said Asle Prestegard, COO of Scandic Norway and Scandic Finland.