- A group of Caribbean nations and Mexico are implementing new tourist taxes to fund sustainability and infrastructure projects.
- Mexico is introducing a $5 Cruise Passenger Tax and is considering mandating hotels to collect the $17.75 VISITAX in Quintana Roo.
- Dominica and Aruba are introducing specific funds, the $30 Nature Island Fund and the $20 Sustainability Fee, dedicated to environmental conservation and wastewater infrastructure.
- These mandatory fees reflect a broader shift in the tourism industry towards a model where travelers share the responsibility for preserving the natural resources they visit.
Mexico, along with the Caribbean nations of Dominica, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, is introducing new tourist taxes designed to fund sustainability initiatives, improve infrastructure, and support local economies. This movement signifies a regional shift toward making sustainable travel a standard practice.
Mexico is implementing two key taxes. The Cruise Passenger Tax (DNR), set to begin at $5 per passenger on July 1, 2025, and doubling to $10 by August 2026, aims to mitigate the environmental impact of cruise ships. Additionally, the state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancún and Tulum, is working to improve the collection of its existing $17.75 VISITAX. A legislative change is being considered for 2026 that would require hotels to collect and remit the VISITAX directly from guests to increase compliance and fund infrastructure projects, including beach conservation.
Other islands are applying dedicated levies. Dominica will introduce the $30 Nature Island Fund on January 1, 2026, specifically for environmental preservation, protecting its marine life and biodiversity. Aruba has a $20 annual Sustainability Fee for air arrivals, which began in July 2024, focusing on upgrading essential sewage water treatment plants and infrastructure. Barbados is temporarily reducing its Regional Air Travel Development Fee to $20 for Caribbean residents to encourage intra-regional travel, while Jamaica maintains a combined $55 Tourism Enhancement Tax, often included in airfares. The Dominican Republic uses a simple $10 non-refundable tourist tax, typically included in airfare, for tourism and infrastructure development. The broader trend indicates a growing regional commitment to ensure the tourism industry supports the environmental and infrastructural integrity of the destinations.
