Mexico Joins Dominica, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic in Introducing New Tourist Taxes to Promote Sustainability and Make It the New Norm of Travel in Caribbean

Published on December 13, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

As the travel industry rebounds, Mexico, Dominica, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic introduce new tourist taxes like Mexico’s $5 Cruise Tax and $17.75 VISITAX to fund sustainability efforts and support local economies. These new taxes aim to generate vital funds for environmental conservation, infrastructure improvement, and sustainability initiatives across the Caribbean and Mexico. By introducing measures like Dominica’s $30 Nature Island Fund and Aruba’s $20 Sustainability Fee, these destinations are leading the way in ensuring tourism contributes positively to preserving the very natural resources that draw millions of visitors each year. With travelers increasingly aware of their environmental impact, these taxes are becoming a necessary step toward making sustainable travel the norm, ensuring that the growth of tourism does not come at the expense of the planet.

Mexico Leads the Way: The New Cruise Passenger Tax and VISITAX

Mexico’s tourism landscape is evolving with the introduction of several new taxes aimed at addressing both environmental concerns and the growing needs of infrastructure. One of the most significant changes is the Cruise Passenger Tax (Non-Resident Duty, or DNR), which will come into effect on July 1, 2025. Initially set at $5 per passenger, this tax will double to $10 per passenger by August 2026. Designed to capture a more equitable share of revenue from the booming cruise industry, this levy aims to mitigate the environmental impact that cruise ships have on local ports and the surrounding ecosystems. Importantly, the cruise lines will collect the tax ahead of time, ensuring a streamlined process and reducing the burden on tourists when they arrive at their destination.

In Quintana Roo, the state that encompasses popular tourist hotspots like Cancún, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya, the VISITAX or Use and Exploitation Fee has been in place since 2021. However, the tax collection system has been inefficient, with compliance rates remaining low. As a result, the government is considering a significant legislative change: obligating hotels to collect and retain the VISITAX from their guests. If the proposal passes in 2026, hotels will become responsible for collecting the tax on behalf of the government, thereby increasing compliance and helping to fund vital tourism-related infrastructure projects, including beach conservation efforts.

Dominica’s Nature Island Fund: A $30 Contribution to Conservation

Dominica has long been known for its eco-tourism appeal, boasting lush rainforests, pristine waterfalls, and vibrant marine life. In a move to further enhance its sustainability initiatives, Dominica will introduce the Nature Island Fund, a $30 USD fee for all visitors starting January 1, 2026. This levy will be used specifically for environmental preservation and conservation efforts, including the protection of marine ecosystems, wildlife sanctuaries, and the country’s rich biodiversity. Dominica’s focus on eco-tourism is gaining momentum, and this new tax aims to help ensure that future generations can enjoy its natural beauty while maintaining the island’s ecological integrity.

Aruba’s Sustainability Fee: A Focus on Infrastructure

Aruba, another leader in eco-tourism, has already implemented a $20 Sustainability Fee for all air arrivals, which is applied once per calendar year. This fee, which was introduced in July 2024, aims to support essential infrastructure projects, particularly sewage water treatment plants. Aruba’s decision to focus on improving its environmental infrastructure reflects a broader regional commitment to sustainable tourism. By charging tourists a fee specifically earmarked for these projects, Aruba ensures that the tourism sector contributes directly to the preservation of the island’s natural resources and the improvement of public services.

Barbados and Jamaica: Adjusting Levies to Foster Regional Travel

In the Caribbean, Barbados has introduced a Regional Air Travel Development Fee that has been temporarily reduced to $20 USD for Caribbean residents traveling between July 2025 and June 2026. The aim is to encourage intra-regional tourism and foster stronger connections between Caribbean nations, while also stimulating local economies. In addition, Jamaica maintains a combined Tourism Enhancement Tax (TET), which includes a $55 USD landing and departure tax. This fee is typically bundled into airfares, ensuring seamless compliance for travelers while contributing to the island’s tourism enhancement initiatives.

Dominican Republic: A Simpler Tourist Tax Model

The Dominican Republic has adopted a straightforward and user-friendly approach to its tourism tax system. The country imposes a $10 USD non-refundable tourist tax, which is typically included in the airfare cost for visitors. If not included in the ticket price, travelers can pay it upon arrival at the airport using cash or a credit/debit card. This system ensures minimal disruption for travelers while providing essential funding for the country’s tourism and infrastructure development.

The Shift Toward Sustainability: A New Norm for Travel

The trend of introducing tourist taxes to fund sustainability initiatives is spreading across the globe. This movement is particularly evident in the Caribbean and Latin America, where governments are recognizing the need to balance tourism growth with environmental responsibility. By targeting tourism as a primary source of funding for conservation and infrastructure projects, these destinations are taking proactive steps to ensure that tourism remains a vital economic contributor without compromising the environmental assets that attract millions of visitors each year.

The introduction of these new taxes highlights a shift in the tourism industry, with a growing recognition that the cost of preserving natural and cultural resources should be shared by those who benefit from them. Whether it’s the protection of coral reefs, the cleaning of beaches, or the construction of sustainable infrastructure, these funds are crucial to maintaining the integrity of popular destinations.

As travelers become more aware of the environmental impact of tourism, many are willing to contribute to the cause. Governments in Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond are leveraging these new taxes to create a more sustainable, eco-conscious tourism model that will help ensure the longevity of these destinations.

The Future of Travel: Collaboration for Sustainability

The introduction of tourist taxes in Mexico, Dominica, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic represents a positive step toward a more sustainable future for global tourism. This model of ensuring that tourists contribute to the preservation of the very environments they visit is expected to become the new norm of travel, with more destinations likely to follow suit in the years to come. The message is clear: sustainability is no longer an optional add-on; it is a responsibility that should be shared by all stakeholders in the tourism industry—governments, travelers, and businesses alike.

By integrating eco-friendly policies and taxes into the tourism experience, these countries are setting the stage for a future where travel can continue to thrive without damaging the very landscapes and cultures that make it so appealing. As the global tourism industry grows, so too does the need for collective action to protect the planet for future generations of travelers. The move toward sustainability is not just about taxes—it’s about creating a more responsible and balanced approach to travel.