If you’ve booked a trip lately and noticed an extra charge on your accommodation, ferry ticket, or park entry, you’re not alone. Around the world, a growing number of destinations are introducing climate-focused tourist taxes. These small fees are designed to protect fragile environments, restore communities, and make tourism more sustainable in the face of climate change. The fees may seem frustrating at first, but they often make the difference between struggling to rebuild and preserving the beauty that keeps travellers coming back.
Hawaii
In May 2023, Hawaii introduced the Green Fee, the first climate-linked tourist tax in the United States. The 0.75% surcharge on accommodation is expected to raise $100 million annually from 2026, funding wildfire recovery, reef restoration, and climate projects.
The move comes after the devastating Maui wildfires in August 2023, which killed 102 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings. As Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green explained, this law directly addresses the growing impact of hosting 10 million tourists each year and ensures that tourism contributes to the islands’ resilience.
Local businesses are behind the idea, too. Maui-based hiking guide Susan Fazekas told the BBC: “Visitors come here for the natural beauty – the waterfalls, reefs and rainforest trails – but those very resources are under strain. Asking them to contribute to the care of these places is not a burden; it’s a chance to be part of their preservation.”
Greece
In January 2024, Greece replaced its overnight stay tax with a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee. Travellers now pay between €0.50 and €10 per night, depending on the hotel class and season. On popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini, surcharges can reach €20 per person during peak summer.
The Greek government expects to raise €400 million annually. The money will go toward water infrastructure, disaster prevention, and ecosystem restoration. For a country that faces regular wildfires and flooding, this new fee is an important investment in keeping both locals and visitors safe.
Bali
Bali introduced a new fee in 2024 of 150,000 rupiah (around £6.88) for international travellers. The funds are earmarked for environmental protection projects.
The island attracts millions of visitors each year, but its reefs, beaches, and rainforests are under pressure from both climate change and heavy tourism. By paying the fee, visitors contribute directly to conservation efforts that keep Bali’s unique ecosystem alive for future generations.
Maldives
The Maldives has been charging a Green Tax since 2015, but in January 2025, the fee was doubled. Most hotels and resorts now add $12 (€9) per person, per night to guest bills.
Revenues are funnelled into a government-managed fund that supports waste management and coastal resilience. The Maldives publishes regular Green Fund reports that show exactly how the money is spent, from coastal protection to waste treatment facilities. This transparency has built trust among travellers and residents, proving that the fee isn’t just symbolic—it delivers real results.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s International Visitor Levy was first introduced in 2019 but nearly tripled in 2024 to about NZD $100 (£45). The levy supports conservation projects and sustainable tourism infrastructure across the country.
Funds have already gone into restoring storm-damaged trails at Cathedral Cove and upgrading the New Zealand Cycle Trails with climate-resilient improvements. Annual performance reports detail which projects are selected, funded, and completed, offering travellers a clear view of how their money is used.
Why These Fees Matter
These fees are modest compared to the overall cost of travel; a few euros or dollars per night rarely break a budget, yet the impact is huge. Hawaii’s Green Fee alone could raise $100 million a year, while Greece expects €400 million. Surveys back this up: a 2024 Booking.com report found 75% of travellers want to travel more sustainably, and a 2023 Euromonitor study showed nearly 80% are willing to pay at least 10% more for eco-friendly options. Transparency is key.
Destinations like the Maldives and New Zealand publish reports on how funds are spent, making travellers more willing to contribute. In the end, paying a little extra helps protect reefs, forests, and heritage sites, a shared responsibility, as Susan Fazekas put it.
While these fees add a small cost, you can still travel smart and stay within your budget. With QVI Vacay, you gain access to over 500,000 hotels and resorts worldwide, often offering exclusive rates that help offset extra travel costs. That means you can contribute to sustainability efforts at your destination while still saving money where it matters most. It’s a win for your wallet and a win for the planet.
Send your sign-up request to help@myqvi.com or reach us at +60386053383 to get started with QVI Vacay.
