A new Tourist Tax Fee of €3 per night will be introduced in Mauritius on 1 October 2025, as announced in the 2025–2026 Budget. This fee will apply to all international visitors staying overnight, with the goal of funding tourism infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.
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Here’s a table converting the €3 Tourist Fee into other major currencies using current exchange rates (June 2025 averages):
| Currency | Approx equivalent of €3/night |
|---|---|
| USD | $3.44 |
| ZAR | R62.40 |
| GBP | £2.57 |
| INR | ₹298.38 |
The introduction of a new tourist tax fee in Mauritius presents several long-term benefits for the country’s tourism sector and broader economy. If implemented thoughtfully, it can serve as a valuable tool to support growth while preserving the island’s unique appeal.
The €3 per night fee is expected to raise significant funds that can be reinvested into improving key infrastructure—such as roads, public transport, waste management, and cultural sites—that both tourists and locals depend on. A steady revenue stream dedicated to tourism-related projects will help maintain service quality and improve visitor satisfaction over time.
Like many global destinations, Mauritius faces growing environmental pressure from increasing tourist arrivals. The fee provides a mechanism to support sustainability initiatives—such as coastal protection, marine conservation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. By doing so, the country can continue to offer an authentic, high-quality experience without compromising its natural and cultural assets.
Revenue from the tourist fee can also be incorporated into initiatives that benefit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism value marketplace. From local craft producers and tour operators to transport providers and community-based experiences, targeted support can help these businesses grow, create jobs, and contribute more broadly to the local economy.
While the new tourist tax fee offers clear opportunities, it also comes with potential challenges that need to be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences for Mauritius’s tourism sector—especially in light of the recent decline in European visitor numbers in the country and the need to explore new opportunities.
Introducing an additional cost—especially in a competitive market—can influence travel decisions, particularly for budget-conscious travellers. Even a modest fee may deter visitors from key source markets if it’s perceived as part of a broader increase in travel expenses. This risk is especially relevant during periods of global economic uncertainty or when competing destinations are offering more attractive travel packages.
Mauritius operates in a highly competitive tourism landscape, alongside destinations like Seychelles, Réunion, and the Maldives. If neighbouring countries offer similar experiences without comparable fees, Mauritius may risk losing market share, especially in the mid-range and long-stay segments. Careful benchmarking and communication will be essential to ensure the destination remains competitive while maintaining quality.
The success of this fee will depend heavily on its implementation. Accommodation providers—both large hotels and smaller operators such as Airbnb hosts—will need to adjust billing systems, report accurately, and comply with new administrative procedures. Without clear guidelines, support, and enforcement mechanisms, the process could become burdensome and lead to confusion or under-reporting.
There may also be concerns about fairness—such as whether the fee should vary by accommodation type, length of stay, or visitor profile. A flat-rate approach, while simple, may be perceived as inequitable across different tourist categories. Ensuring transparency in how the funds are used will be crucial to gaining public and industry support for the measure.
Many popular tourist destinations around the world have already implemented similar fees to manage the impact of tourism and fund public services. For example, New Zealand charges international visitors a NZD 35 “International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy,” which goes toward environmental protection and infrastructure development. In Italy, cities like Venice and Rome apply nightly taxes on accommodations, generating millions annually to support the maintenance of heritage sites and urban services.
Closer to home, the Seychelles applies an environmental sustainability levy on hotel stays, while Réunion Island charges a taxe de séjour (stay tax) to fund local tourism initiatives. These measures have helped governments improve tourism infrastructure, promote sustainability, and ensure that visitors contribute fairly to the upkeep of the destinations they enjoy. Mauritius’s new fee follows a growing global trend toward responsible tourism management.
As Mauritius prepares to roll out its new tourist tax in October 2025, success will largely depend on how the policy is implemented, communicated, and managed. While it offers a chance to strengthen infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism, careful planning and transparency will be key to ensuring it enhances—rather than hinders—the country’s appeal. Learning from other destinations and engaging with stakeholders early on can help Mauritius strike the right balance between economic gain and visitor satisfaction.
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