Your next holiday might come with a new line item on the bill – a climate fee. As climate-related disasters escalate, a growing number of travel destinations are introducing modest but targeted tourist taxes to help protect their vulnerable environments.
In Hawaii, the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires – among the deadliest in US history – killed 102 people and razed over 2,000 buildings. The cause: drought, hurricane winds and extreme heat. In response, the state introduced a “Green Fee” in May 2024, adding 0.75% to existing hotel taxes. Set to launch in 2026, it’s expected to raise $100m annually for climate recovery, reef restoration and fire prevention.
“This isn’t just a surcharge,” says Maui-based guide Susan Fazekas. “Visitors come for Hawaii’s natural beauty, but these resources are under strain. Asking them to contribute is a way of protecting the future of the islands.”
Hawaii’s approach is part of a wider global shift. In early 2024, Greece replaced its hotel tax with a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee, ranging from €0.50 to €10 per night – and even up to €20 on popular islands during peak season. Bali introduced a £6.88 tourist levy this year, and the Maldives doubled its long-standing “Green Tax” in January 2025 to $12 per person, per night. New Zealand’s International Visitor Levy has nearly tripled since 2019, now costing around NZD $100 (£45).
These climate tourist taxes may be small compared to overall travel costs, but they can have a major impact – if used transparently. In the Maldives, Green Fund reports show how revenue is spent on waste treatment and shoreline protection. In New Zealand, detailed annual reports highlight projects like trail restoration and climate-resilient tourism infrastructure.
Transparency is key, says Dr Rachel Dodds, a tourism management expert in Canada. “Tourism taxes are valuable funding tools, but they need clear communication. Residents and visitors should see how the money is spent.”
In Hawaii, a Climate Advisory Team published a 60-page report outlining how its Green Fee could be used and consulted with experts and the public to ensure widespread support. “The data, engagement and transparency helped build public trust,” says team chair Chris Benjamin.
Surveys suggest many tourists are happy to pay – if they trust the system. According to Booking.com’s 2024 Sustainable Travel Report, 71% of travellers want to leave places better than they found them. Another study by Euromonitor found nearly 80% were willing to pay 10% more for sustainable options.
Japanese traveller Maho Tanaka, planning a Hawaii trip, says she supports the fee. “If it’s just a small extra charge and goes towards protecting beaches and forests, I’m in,” she says. Greek tourist Zixuan Liu agrees: “If I knew where the money went, I’d pay even more.”
Experts warn, though, that climate fees shouldn’t be the only solution. “Sustainability shouldn’t be a luxury add-on,” says Christopher Imbsen of the World Travel & Tourism Council. “It must be built into every part of the travel experience, so it becomes the default.”
Ultimately, these modest taxes reflect a deeper shift in mindset. Travel is no longer just about consumption – it’s becoming a shared responsibility. Fazekas believes sustainable tourism means slowing down, engaging more deeply and respecting local ecosystems. “It’s not about just snapping a photo and leaving – it’s about giving back,” she says.
So, while your next holiday might cost a bit more, that extra £10 or €20 could be the difference between a place surviving – or disappearing – in a warming world.
Inspired by: BBC article by Mizuki Uchiyama
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