A growing wave of climate focused fees may reshape travel as destinations seek to protect fragile places while funding resilience efforts. Travelers could see higher costs on hotel stays, ferries, and park entries, not just from inflation but from new fees tied to climate risks. These charges aim to fund wildfire recovery, reef restoration, and broader adaptation measures.
Hawaii leads the way with a landmark measure passed last May. The Green Fee adds 0.75 percent to existing accommodation taxes. Officials say the plan could raise about 100 million dollars a year once it fully rolls out in 2026. The funds will support wildfire recovery, reef restoration, and climate adaptation across the islands.
Governor Josh Green described the move as addressing the growing impact of hosting millions of visitors and as part of a broader strategy to respond to rising disaster frequency.
A Maui based hiking guide said the new fees are not merely a surcharge. They view them as a way for visitors to contribute to the preservation of natural wonders like waterfalls, reefs, and rainforest trails and to honor the shared responsibility of protecting Hawaii’s future.
As climate disasters intensify, destinations worldwide are rethinking how tourism revenue is collected and directed to resilience projects.
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