Tourism Guest Levy Demystified: Understanding the US$5 Climate Fund Contribution
If you are planning an all-inclusive escape and reviewing final travel costs, the Tourism Guest Levy is one detail worth understanding before you arrive. At Cocobay Resort Antigua - All Inclusive - Adults Only - Valley Church, St. Mary's, Antigua, every guest is required to pay a US$5 Tourism Guest Levy per person, per night stayed. This fee is collected to help establish a Climate Resilience and Development Fund.
For many travelers, the question is simple: What is the Tourism Guest Levy, who pays it, and is it included in the room rate? This guide answers those questions clearly, explains how the charge works at Cocobay Resort, and shows where it fits into your overall stay planning.
What Is the Tourism Guest Levy?
The Tourism Guest Levy is a US$5 fee per person, per night stayed that all guests are required to pay. At Cocobay Resort, it is charged to support a Climate Resilience and Development Fund in Antigua & Barbuda.
In practical terms, that means the levy is:
- Charged per guest
- Charged per night stayed
- Collected at the resort
- Not included in direct all-inclusive room rates
This type of tourism-related fee is commonly used in island destinations to support long-term resilience and development priorities. For travelers, the most important point is knowing that it is a separate mandatory charge tied to your stay.
How Much Is the Tourism Guest Levy at Cocobay Resort?
The Tourism Guest Levy at Cocobay Resort is:
- US$5 per person, per night
That amount applies to each guest for each night of the stay.
Quick examples
| Stay Length | Guests | Levy Per Night | Total Levy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 night | 1 guest | US$5 | US$5 |
| 3 nights | 2 guests | US$5 | US$30 |
| 5 nights | 2 guests | US$5 | US$50 |
| 7 nights | 2 guests | US$5 | US$70 |
These examples are useful when budgeting for an adults-only Caribbean holiday, especially if you are comparing your room rate with your final on-property charges.
Is the Tourism Guest Levy Included in the All-Inclusive Rate?
No. The Tourism Guest Levy is not included in direct all-inclusive room rates.
Cocobay Resort states that direct rates are all inclusive of:
- Meals
- Drinks
- Sales tax
However, the Tourism Guest Levy of US$5 per guest per night is excluded and is charged at the resort.
This distinction matters because travelers often assume that “all-inclusive” automatically covers every mandatory cost. At Cocobay, the levy is separate from the published all-inclusive room rate, so it should be factored into your trip budget in advance.
Why Is the Levy Charged?
The levy is collected to help establish a Climate Resilience and Development Fund.
For island destinations, climate resilience generally refers to strengthening the systems, infrastructure, and long-term planning needed to respond to environmental pressures and protect the future of the destination. Development funds of this kind are designed to support broader national priorities connected to sustainability and resilience.
From a guest perspective, the key takeaway is straightforward: the levy is a required contribution attached to your stay and linked to climate-focused development goals.
When Do Guests Pay the Tourism Guest Levy?
At Cocobay Resort, the Tourism Guest Levy is charged at the resort.
That means you should expect it as a separate payable item associated with your stay rather than as part of the standard all-inclusive rate. If you are reviewing booking costs before arrival, it is wise to account for the levy alongside any other extra charges that may apply during your visit.
Where the Levy Fits Into Your Overall Stay Costs
Understanding the Tourism Guest Levy becomes easier when you view it as one part of your complete travel spend.
At Cocobay Resort, guests should keep in mind that:
- Direct booking rates are all inclusive of meals, drinks, and sales tax
- The Tourism Guest Levy is separate
- Some premium dining items may carry an additional charge
- Certain restaurants or specialty experiences may be available by reservation and at applicable cost
- Pre-booked extras and private experiences may have their own terms
This does not make the booking process complicated. It simply means that smart travel planning includes a quick review of what is included by default and what is charged separately.
Related Dining and Experience Details to Know
If you are organizing your budget carefully, it helps to understand how dining and extras work during your stay.
Dining included in the stay
Rafters Restaurant & Bar is the main all-inclusive restaurant and serves:
- Breakfast: 7:30AM – 9:30AM
- Lunch: 12:30PM – 2:00PM
- Dinner: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Rafters offers an intimate sea-view setting, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served à la carte. The menu blends international flair with authentic Caribbean cuisine, and the Bar & Lounge offers top shelf liquors, vintage wines, beer on tap, and colourful cocktails. Guests can also enjoy daily Bar Bite specials and live entertainment 5–6 nights a week.
Other on-property dining and beverage locations include:
- The Cocobay Cliffside Restaurant and Bar
- Sandy Ground Sunset Pool Bar
- Cocoa Coffee Cafe
- Sheer Rocks Restaurant on property, which is independently owned and not part of the all-inclusive dining options
These options create natural planning opportunities for guests who want to mix included dining with specialty experiences. Private dining extras and floating pool culinary experiences may also appeal to couples celebrating something special.
Extras and reservation policies
For guests booking experiences in addition to accommodation, it is helpful to remember this policy:
Cancellation of Extras, incidentals and pre-booked events within 24 hours of Reservation time may result in a penalty of 50% of the cost of the item.
If you are arranging private dining, floating pool extras, or other pre-booked experiences, a little planning can help you avoid unnecessary charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tourism Guest Levy
Is the Tourism Guest Levy mandatory?
Yes. All guests are required to pay the US$5 per person, per night Tourism Guest Levy.
Is the Tourism Guest Levy included in the room rate?
No. It is not included in direct all-inclusive room rates and is charged at the resort.
Who pays the Tourism Guest Levy?
The levy applies to all guests staying at the resort.
What does the Tourism Guest Levy support?
It helps establish a Climate Resilience and Development Fund.
How should I budget for it?
Multiply US$5 by the number of guests and the number of nights stayed.
Practical Tips for Guests Staying at Cocobay Resort
If you want a smoother check-in and a clearer vacation budget, these tips can help.
1. Add the levy to your trip total before arrival
Even though your stay may be all inclusive, the Tourism Guest Levy is separate. Build it into your cost estimate early so there are no surprises.
2. Review dining plans in advance
Rafters Restaurant & Bar is part of the all-inclusive experience, while some specialty dining options and premium items may involve added cost. Knowing the difference can help you plan meals and experiences more confidently.
3. Consider your extras carefully
Private dining, floating pool culinary options, and other bespoke experiences can make a romantic stay even more memorable. If you reserve them, keep the cancellation window in mind.
4. Keep key stay details handy
Useful arrival information includes:
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m.
- Check-out: 12:00 p.m.
Having these details ready can make travel days less stressful, especially when coordinating airport transfers or planning one last lunch before departure.
5. Contact the resort directly for booking support
For guests in the United States and Canada, the toll-free number is:
- 1 866 978 8411 (8AM-5PM EST)
This can be especially helpful if you want clarity on reservation details, extras, or pre-arrival planning.
Why Clear Fee Information Matters
Transparent pricing helps travelers book with confidence. When required charges are explained clearly, it becomes easier to compare options, set expectations, and enjoy the experience once you arrive.
That is particularly important at an adults-only resort where many guests are traveling for romance, relaxation, honeymoons, or special occasions. A simple understanding of the Tourism Guest Levy lets you focus less on logistics and more on the experience itself.
It also pairs naturally with broader stay planning. Guests often look into dining options such as Rafters Restaurant & Bar, explore private dining extras, or consider upgrading experiences during their visit. When all of these elements are understood together, vacation planning becomes far more seamless.
Final Takeaway: The Tourism Guest Levy in One Sentence
The Tourism Guest Levy at Cocobay Resort is a mandatory US$5 per person, per night charge, paid at the resort, and used to support a Climate Resilience and Development Fund in Antigua & Barbuda.
Conclusion
Understanding the Tourism Guest Levy before you travel is one of the easiest ways to plan your stay more accurately. At Cocobay Resort Antigua - All Inclusive - Adults Only - Valley Church, St. Mary's, Antigua, the fee is simple: US$5 per guest, per night, charged separately at the resort and dedicated to a Climate Resilience and Development Fund.
When you combine that knowledge with a clear view of what your all-inclusive stay covers, from meals and drinks to dining venues like Rafters Restaurant & Bar, you can budget smarter and travel with greater peace of mind.
If you are ready to plan your escape, review your stay details, explore dining and private experience options, and contact the resort directly at 1 866 978 8411 (8AM-5PM EST) for pre-arrival support.