New York City will implement a congestion tax for tourists visiting high-traffic areas like Times Square, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge starting July. The $5 fee applies during peak hours, aiming to reduce overcrowding and maintain infrastructure.
City officials say the measure will fund public transport upgrades and waste management. While met with mixed reactions, many believe it’s a necessary step to balance tourism with livability.
This model is being studied by tourism-heavy cities like London, Bangkok, and even Kathmandu, where local governments are debating ways to manage rising tourist footfalls without harming the local economy.
