The European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) has announced that the Commune of Venice is to introduce a new hotel bed tax across the Italian city from 1 July.

Subject to the approval of the local council, the accommodation levy will be similar to one proposed by Florence officials last month - also due to launch at the start of next month. Tourists will incur a charge of EUR1 (£0.88) per person, per night, per star of category up to a maximum of five nights under Venice's proposals, which are expected to be approved.

However, officials anticipate that a lower tariff will be imposed during the low season, while non four- and five-star properties are expected to be charged less. Venice authorities hope the move will generate an additional EUR20m (£12.4m), which it is claimed will go towards infrastructure and cultural attractions.

It comes after a federal law enabled communes to introduce targeted taxes. A hotel bed tax is already in operation in Rome, despite opposition from ETOA. An ETOA spokesperson said: "The practicalities of this tax, and industry reaction to the suddenness of the announcement, will be dealt with in due course."