In 2027, New Zealand plans to introduce a new eco tourism tax, uniting with US, Spain, France, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Portugal, South Africa and more in the growing list of countries implementing such fees to preserve their natural sites. The eco tax to be levied on foreign tourists visiting iconic natural sites like Milford Sound and Tongariro Crossing will be between US$20 to US$40 (approximately NZ$34 to NZ$68). New Zealand aims to garner US$ 36.58 million (approximately NZ$ 62 million) to fund conservation efforts and ensure the maintenance of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes which are under the constant pressure of mass tourism. These countries have been struggling to balance the environmental impact of tourism, and eco tourism taxes are proving to be a great solution to be able to protect and preserve their treasured natural resources.
New Zealand’s move aligns with a growing global trend where countries are introducing similar fees to protect their natural heritage. The tourism sector is one of New Zealand’s most significant contributors to the economy, but the government has faced increasing pressure to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability. This eco-tourism tax is seen as an essential step in maintaining the country’s unique landscapes while addressing the negative effects of overtourism.
US National Parks: Raising Fees to Protect America’s Natural Wonders
The United States has introduced higher entry fees at some of its most famous national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Foreign tourists are now required to pay more than domestic visitors, with fees ranging from $35 to $70 per person for some of the national parks. This move, implemented in recent years, aims to generate much-needed revenue to support the National Park Service, which is responsible for maintaining the country’s 423 national parks.
The funds raised from these increased fees are earmarked for infrastructure repairs, preservation, and the overall maintenance of these natural landmarks. The decision to raise fees for international visitors follows a growing concern about the environmental strain caused by millions of tourists visiting national parks each year. The additional revenue will help preserve these parks for future generations while ensuring that they remain accessible and sustainable.
South Africa’s Conservation Fees: Protecting Wildlife with Every Tourist Visit
South Africa has long charged conservation fees at its national parks, including the iconic Kruger National Park. Foreign tourists pay significantly higher fees than locals, with fees at Kruger ranging from $30 to $50 per person per day. These fees are directly allocated to conservation and wildlife management within the park. The goal is to maintain the biodiversity of the park, home to some of the world’s most endangered species, including rhinos and lions.
The revenue generated from these conservation fees helps fund anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife research, and the management of protected areas. The South African government has made it clear that these fees are essential for maintaining the park’s ecosystems, while also supporting local communities that depend on tourism for their livelihoods. The fees are seen as a way to ensure sustainable tourism practices in the face of rising visitor numbers.
Iceland’s Eco-Tax: Keeping the Land of Fire and Ice Pristine
Iceland has implemented various tourist taxes, with the aim of funding environmental preservation efforts. The country has introduced a tourist accommodation tax, where visitors pay between ISK 600 (about ₹400) and ISK 1,000 (about ₹700) per night, depending on the type of accommodation. Additionally, cruise passengers visiting Iceland’s natural sites such as the famous Golden Circle and Vatnajökull Glacier contribute to an eco-tax of around ISK 1,000 (₹700) per person per visit.
The funds collected through these taxes are used for maintaining Iceland’s unique landscapes, including its glaciers, hot springs, and volcanic sites. Given the rise in tourism to Iceland, the government sees these taxes as an essential tool to protect the country’s fragile environment, ensuring that the tourism sector remains sustainable and that Iceland’s natural wonders are preserved for future generations.
Japan’s ‘Sayonara Tax’: Funding Sustainable Travel in the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan has introduced a “sayonara tax” of ¥1,000 (approximately ₹650) per person, which applies to both foreign and domestic tourists when departing the country. The funds raised are used to improve tourism infrastructure and enhance the experience for visitors while ensuring the sustainability of natural and cultural sites such as Mount Fuji, the historic shrines, and temples in Kyoto.
This departure tax is part of Japan’s broader efforts to make tourism more sustainable, providing financial support to manage the impacts of high tourist traffic. The tax revenue is also allocated to promote regional tourism, ensuring that visitors have a positive and environmentally responsible experience across the country.
Portugal’s Green Fee: Investing in the Beauty of Madeira and the Azores
Portugal, including its stunning Azores and Madeira islands, imposes local eco-taxes ranging from €2 to €4 (approximately ₹180 to ₹360) per night for tourists staying in hotels and resorts. This fee is designed to support environmental preservation efforts in some of Portugal’s most ecologically sensitive areas, such as the volcanic landscapes of the Azores and Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage forests.
The funds collected from this tax are reinvested into conservation programs, wildlife protection, and the maintenance of trails and other infrastructure in natural parks. Portugal’s commitment to eco-tourism is reflected in the way these taxes are used to manage the country’s biodiversity and natural heritage, ensuring that these stunning destinations remain protected amid growing visitor numbers.
Spain’s Ecotax: Safeguarding Beaches and Nature Reserves from Overtourism
Spain’s eco-tax is applied in regions like the Balearic Islands and Catalonia, where the charge varies between €1 and €5 (₹90 to ₹450) per person per night. The money raised from these taxes is used to preserve Spain’s coastal ecosystems, manage waste disposal, and restore beaches that have been damaged by high tourist traffic.
These funds are vital in maintaining Spain’s natural landscapes, particularly its beaches, which attract millions of tourists every year. The goal of this eco-tax is not only to support conservation but also to ensure that tourism in these areas remains sustainable and doesn’t further degrade the local environment.
France’s Tourist Tax: Protecting the City of Light and Beyond
France has a tourist tax that ranges from €0.20 to €4 (₹18 to ₹360) per night, depending on the star rating of the accommodation. This fee is imposed on visitors staying in Paris and other tourist-heavy regions, with the funds used for city infrastructure maintenance and environmental conservation projects.
In addition to these fees, France also charges extra fees for access to national parks and famous natural sites like the French Alps. The revenue generated helps to protect these areas from the environmental strain caused by mass tourism, ensuring that they remain accessible and protected for both residents and future visitors.
Greece’s Eco-Tourism Tax: Preserving the Mediterranean’s Natural Heritage
Greece has introduced an eco-tourism tax based on hotel star ratings, ranging from €0.50 to €4 (₹45 to ₹360) per room per night. The fee applies to tourists staying in hotels and resorts across Greece, with the funds earmarked for the preservation of natural sites like the island of Santorini, Crete, and its many archeological sites.
This tourist tax is part of Greece’s broader strategy to protect its natural beauty and cultural heritage while encouraging more sustainable tourism practices. The funds will be used to preserve the natural landscapes and manage tourist activity, reducing the environmental impact of mass tourism on Greece’s most popular destinations.
Greece and Other Mediterranean Countries
Greece, along with countries like Italy and Spain, is leading the charge in introducing eco-taxes for natural and cultural site preservation. The Mediterranean region is facing significant pressure from tourism, and these taxes are seen as a vital tool in ensuring the sustainability of the region’s iconic landmarks.
The eco-tourism tax in Greece, specifically, will fund the restoration and conservation of Greece’s natural wonders, including its pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and diverse landscapes, which are some of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. By aligning with global trends, Greece is taking an important step in balancing tourism growth with environmental preservation.
New Zealand is set to introduce a new eco-tourism tax in 2027, uniting with US, Spain, France, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Portugal, South Africa, and others in charging fees to preserve their iconic natural sites. The tax, ranging from US$20 to US$40, aims to generate funds for conservation and ensure the sustainability of these landscapes amidst growing tourism pressures.
New Zealand’s decision to introduce an eco-tourism tax for its iconic natural sites places it in good company with countries around the world that are already implementing or planning similar measures. The funds generated by these taxes will play a crucial role in preserving these natural treasures for future generations. As tourism continues to rise, eco-tourism taxes have become an essential tool for governments to ensure that their most precious landscapes and ecosystems are protected against the negative impacts of overtourism.