'I'd rather stay in the UK!' Britons threaten to boycott Italy as holiday hotspot considers major tourist tax increase - 'I won't be going!'

The current tourist levy is between €1 (84p) and €5 (£4.21) per night in cities such as Venice, meaning vacationers could face a significant jump in holiday prices.

According to the Financial Times, the government’s latest proposal suggests increasing the tourist tax to €5 per room per night for a room under €100, €10 per night for rooms costing €100-€400, €15 for rooms priced at €400-€750 and €25 for rooms that are more than €750.

If implemented, the increased tourist tax will raise funds for financially disadvantaged cities. An additional fee may also encourage visitors to act more responsibly on their travels.

Italian tourism minister Daniela Santanche said: "In times of overtourism, we are debating this so that it really helps improve services and make tourists who pay it more responsible."

This comes as holidaymakers face backlash due to growing fears of overtourism in Europe.

While the measure has not yet been agreed, the suggestion of an increased tourist tax has already riled up Britons, with some vowing to boycott the destination.

One GB News reader said: "Yet another EU country I won't be going to, that's for sure." Another seconded this: "Won't go again then."

Others suggested that UK holidays could be a good option to avoid a hefty tourist tax.

A GB News reader said: "Fair enough - if you want to pay then go to Italy. I just came back from Somerset, lovely weather, great beaches, nice countryside, no taxes."

Another said they would "rather stay and holiday in the UK anyway".

Barbara Casillo, director of Confindustria Alberghi, recognised that an increased tourist tax could drive holidaymakers away.

She warned that other European destinations would see their tourism sector grow exponentially if lawmakers in Italy "scare travellers".

"If we scare travellers who come to us by giving the impression that we want to take what we can, we are not doing a good service to the country. We must be very careful," she said.

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This comes as overtourism in Spain has become a cause for concern among locals, prompting protests across the country.

Britons fume as Spain ramps up its anti-tourism protests, with some threatening they will "go elsewhere".

In July, around 20,000 protesters took to the streets in Palma de Majorca, holding posters targeting tourists in Britain and Germany. One banner written in English read: "Take Back Your Drunks, Give Back Our Homes."