Hawaii has become the first US state to enact a tourist tax explicitly tied to the climate crisis. Known as the Green Fee, it adds 0.75% to existing accommodation taxes and is expected to raise $100 million annually from 2026 for wildfire recovery, reef restoration and climate adaptation.
The move follows devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, in August 2023, which killed 102 people and destroyed over 2,000 buildings. Governor Josh Green said the new law addresses the impact of 10 million tourists on the islands and responds to increasing natural disasters.
Other destinations are also introducing climate-focused fees. Greece replaced its overnight tax with a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee in January 2024, charging €0.50 to €10 per night, with surcharges up to €20 on popular islands during peak season. The government expects to raise €400 million annually for water infrastructure and disaster prevention.
Bali introduced a 150,000 rupiah (£6.88) fee for international travellers in 2024 for environmental protection. The Maldives doubled its nightly Green Tax in January 2025 to $12 per person, funding waste management and coastal resilience. New Zealand nearly tripled its International Visitor Levy to NZD $100 (£45) in 2024 for conservation and sustainable tourism.
Experts stress transparency is key. Dr Rachel Dodds of Toronto Metropolitan University said: 'Tourism taxes can be an easy source of additional income, but transparency is essential to ensure the money goes to those initiatives.' The Maldives publishes monthly Green Fund reports, and New Zealand provides annual performance reports on levy-funded projects.
