Jeju - a resort island in the south of Korea - is planning to impose an eco-tourism tax on tourists to limit the negative impacts of tourism on the environment.
Specifically, the Korean Environment Institute (KEI) report proposed charging 1.500 won/person (about 1,1 USD/person) per night for accommodation, 5.000 won (3,76 USD) for a rented vehicle per night. day and 5% of the rental bus fee as green tax.
Tax revenue will be used to address the island's growing environmental pollution and wastewater problems, while protecting natural resources from the influx of more than 10 million visitors each year. .
This fee was proposed in a 2018 study by the Korean Local Finance Association on the validity of applying an eco-tourism tax. Accordingly, a group of 4 tourists staying 4 days and 3 nights on Jeju Island and traveling by rental car will be taxed 38.000 won (28,6 USD). The report also states that this is the first time Korea has imposed this type of tax, although similar taxes are common in many other tourist destinations around the world, especially in Europe.
According to KEI, the nature of Jeju Island is a unique eco-tourism destination, the first world natural heritage recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Korea. Nation, including Jeju Volcanic Island, lava tubes and other internationally recognized biosphere reserves. However, tourism is becoming the main source of pollution on the island and the provincial government has to spend a lot of money to fix it, leading to a large budget deficit. Jeju currently ranks last economically among Korean metropolises. Since 2012, the Jeju Island government has also sought to enact similar taxes such as “tourism tax”, “environmental tax”, “cost sharing” and “contribution fee” but all failed due to faced opposition from many stakeholders.
PHUONG AN
