Bowman’s Travel Brief: Another New Tourist Tax

by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 9:50 AM ET, Mon July 7, 2025

Image: Sunset dining in Los Cabos, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Los Cabos Tourism Board)

Another month, another new tourist tax or fee being implemented.?

It seems to be quite the theme in the travel industry over the last year.

We’ve seen places like Hawaii, Norway, Bali, Aruba, Greece, Thailand, New Zealand, the Galapagos, the United Kingdom, and others, either add or are now discussing to add new entry fees costs or increase the current tax on tourists.

Now we can add Mexico to the list as Baja California Sur is adding a new $25 entry fee in an effort to raise money for supporting local communities and sustainability efforts.

Nobody should be surprised by this new trend in travel though.

The world is vastly more expensive than it was a few short years ago. Increasing fees for tourists is such an easy way to acquire more revenue.

We just hope all this new money is truly being used for good in helping residents have an improved way of life in addition to these tourist businesses applying more sustainable practices.

Travelers should expect to see more and more destinations raise tourist taxes or add new fees for entry.

It’s become the way of the world now. After all, these fees aren’t stopping people from traveling. So why shouldn’t a destination have an entry fee or increase the tax?

I think anything higher than a $25 fee might raise eyebrows among tourists, but if someone is set in their ways on visiting a place, an entry fee isn’t going to hold them back.

What about you?

Let me know your thoughts and follow me on social media: @EricBowman_

Get Caught Up on the Latest Travel News

In case you missed it:

Concerned About Travel Safety Amid Global Geopolitical Instability? Safety Experts Offer Travel Tips

US Travel Association Lauds Passage of the Big Beautiful Bill

Cancun Unveils Blue Flag-Designated Sites for 2025 ? ??

Cannes Bans Large Cruise Ships

Greenland Eyes Tourism Growth After Trump Spotlight

Europe Is Cracking Down on Bad Tourist Behavior With Bans and Hefty Fines

Crystal Cruises Secures Financing for New Ships

Top Travel Offers

The top travel deals for the month of July.?

For all your travel offer needs be sure to bookmark www.travelpulse.com/deals.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

Travel Intel

Eric Bowman

Editor-in-Chief

Eric Bowman is the Editor-in-Chief of TravelPulse. A graduate of The University of Georgia, Eric has been working in online media, radio and TV for over a decade. He currently lives in Georgia with his wife, daughter, and son.