CORRECTION: A previous version of this article characterized the Fund for a Sustainable Baja California Sur as a tax. It is a nonmandatory contribution, according to Isidro Jordan Moyron, secretary of finance of Baja California Sur.
Starting Nov. 9, the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are located, will "encourage international travelers ... to contribute" 350 pesos (about $18) to the state's new "Fondo para la Sustentabilidad de Baja California Sur" ("Fund for a Sustainable Baja California Sur").
The money "will be applied in programs, works and actions of high social impact," according to a statement from the Baja California Sur government.
Unlike tourism taxes charged in some international markets, visitors "will not be forced or unduly coerced into making a contribution," according to Isidro Jordan Moyron, secretary of finance of Baja California Sur.
Payments will be collected directly from visitors upon arrival; visitors can also contribute via a website.