NEW ZEALAND: International visitor fees triple from NZ$35 to NZ100 from 1 October 2024
The New Zealand Government has just announced a near tripling of the Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Fees will increase from NZ$35 (~US$22) to NZ$100 (~US$62).
The rise is to “ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand .
Background
Like many global destinations, New Zealand has struggled with the impact of tourism on its natural environment. Funding the infrastructure required to support those visitors has proved expensive.
The $NZ35 fee was introduced pre-pandemic in July 2019. The government had determined that this fee was not sufficient to cover the costs associated with the number of international visitors. With much of the country’s magnificent natural scenery in remote areas, local governments are finding the strain of providing and maintaining tourist infrastructure burdensome. The government hopes that the increased fees will go some way to support the increased spending required.
Pre-COVID-19, tourism was the country’s largest export – more than dairy products. Today, tourism is at about 80% of pre-COVID rates. The slow recovery of the Chinese market has contributed to the slowing of tourism. Also international travellers are seemingly not prepared to travel the long distances that New Zealand requires.
New Zealand still attracted 3.2 million foreign tourists for the 12 months to June 2024, representing NZ$23 billion a year in income
“The new levy remains competitive with countries like Australia and the UK, and we are confident New Zealand will continue to be seen as an attractive visitor destination by many around the worl.,”
Matt Doocey, Tourism Minister
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New Zealand tourist organisations are not so sure, feeling that this might be another impediment to tourist numbers.
However, the Tourism Minister points out that NZ$100 is about 3% of an international visitor’s total spend while in New Zealand. So it is unlikely to have a significant impact on arrivals.
But tourist bodies see it as a blow on top of increases in visa fees, and suggested additions to regional airport charges.
Fortunately Australian and Pacific Island nations passport holders are not subject to the fee.
Dumb fucks, are we sure this is not a mad Leftie Government? I thought Kiwis came to their senses and finally got rid of the Socialists. Apparently not, whatever happened to smaller Government with this lot? Bloody mad.
I question that the previous government was ‘socialist’ or that the current New Zealand regime is pro ‘smaller Government’.