Seychelles Implements New Environmental Sustainability Levy to Enhance Green Initiatives

Under the newly introduced levy, all visitors to Seychelles will be required to contribute on a per person/per night basis. The payment will be made in-destination, directly to the client’s hotel, ensuring a seamless and convenient process for travelers.

As per Vice President Afif, levy charges will be applied according to a 3-tiered approach in-line with hotel classification.

The levy charges are as follows:

• SCR 25 (~USD 2) – small hotels (1-24 rooms)
• SCR 75 (~USD 6) – medium-sized hotels (25 – 50 rooms)
• SCR 100 (USD 8) – large hotels (51+ rooms, island resorts*, yachts)

It is important to note that children under 12, airline company staff, and Seychellois citizens will be exempt from the levy.

*Island Resorts relate to establishments based on any island other than Mahe, Praslin, La Digue or Cerf Island.

The approval of the new environmental levy by cabinet ministers on 05 July 2023, under the Environment Protection Law, exemplifies Seychelles’ dedication to investing in green, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. The funds generated through this new “environmental tax,” will play a vital role in preserving and enhancing the natural environment that entices thousands of visitors to Seychelles’ shores annually.

Originally scheduled for implementation in April 2023, the roll out was postponed to allow for extensive consultations with key stakeholders in the tourism industry.

According to local newspaper, Seychelles Nation, the government currently spends over SCR 400 million annually to mitigate the environmental impact on local infrastructure caused by the tourism and travel sectors.

Updates on the levy and final hotel classifications will be communicated to all concerned parties in due course.

We kindly request our partners to disseminate this information to clients with existing bookings and future reservations.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.