ROME -  Ischia Porto's town council has doubled tourist tax, preempting a new cartel of medium to high quality tour operators' decision to put an end to all low-cost practices.

 

  From July 1 (and until September 30, when the previous tax will be reinstated for the quiet season), hotels, agritourism companies and holiday homes will have to pay more tax to the town council, with increases of as much as double the amount paid in previous years.

 

  Those who host guests in their properties will also be required pay a tax, which is intended to benefit the area and the improvement of its services. Overall, this increase will affect a vast part of the hotel and hospitality industry in the Ischia Porto area. The other councils of the island, such as Forio and Barano, have yet to introduce this increase, but economic reasons may force them to reconsider the current tax rate.

 

  In terms of figures, the change means that tourists would pay one euro instead of 50 cents each day for private homes, pleasure boats and B&Bs. Similarly, guests at holiday homes or hotels will have to pay one euro extra per night for their stay in Ischia.