Zoff about bed tax in Munich: Mayor Reiter proposes a compromise – “counteract the loss of attractiveness”

Created: 11/25/2022 13:37

By: Sascha Karowski

It is unclear whether hotel guests will pay more in the coming year.

The city council will decide in early 2023.

© dpa

Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) wants to end the debate about the bed tax with a compromise.

The city is to set up an advertising fund for the tourism industry.

Munich – There are signs of a compromise with the planned bed tax in Munich.

Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) said on Friday that he would propose to the city council to set up a tourism fund.

"The industry can, for example, counteract the feared loss of attractiveness with appropriate advertising measures."

Zoff about bed tax in Munich: Kämmerer wants tourists to pay five percent more

It had previously become known that treasurer Christoph Frey (SPD) wanted to propose to the city council the introduction of an accommodation tax of five percent.

Accordingly, tourists would pay more for overnight stays from September.

The tax would be paid by hoteliers with the annual fee to the city.

Frey hopes that the bed tax will generate income of 40 to 60 million euros.

The background is that all departments are required to develop new sources of income due to inflation and the energy crisis so that the city can handle the enormous investments.

However, Frey's proposal caused criticism, including from the hotel and restaurant association, but also from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

After all, the industry has been plundered enough by Corona and the consequences of the war against Ukraine.

The SPD's coalition partner, the Greens, also criticized Frey - albeit because of the lack of agreements.

Zoff about bed tax in Munich: Reiter understands the excitement, but also the need for the tax

Reiter said he understood the surprise of the hotel industry and the fear that this could affect the attractiveness of Munich as a tourist location in the short term.

"But I also know that the income from a bed tax for the city budget is urgently needed." A decision should not be made until the beginning of next year after appropriate discussions."