Seychelles is implementing a tourism sustainability levy from August 1.
Vice President Ahmed Afif said there would be three different levies according to hotel sizes and categories: SCR25 (R35), SCR75 (R105) and SCR100 (R140).
He said the rates were yet to be published by the Department of Tourism. All travellers above the age of 12 will have to pay the levy, while airline staff and citizens will be exempt, reports SeychellesNewsAgency.com.
Afif said: "For a small hotel, a guest will pay SCR 25 (R35), and if the person spends 10 nights, it will be SCR210 (R290). It is not considered a high cost. Of course, this will be higher for a guest in large hotels.
"We are not just collecting tax. The intention is to improve our environment in which the visitors are living. We are aiming for renewable energy and this will need investment. This levy will be their contribution to help a small country that is doing a lot for the environment today."
According to Afif, Seychelles is experiencing the effects of climate change, especially in the form of rising sea water levels.
