International visitors may have to pay a little extra to enter New Zealand if a proposed tourism tax gets the green light.
The government announced on Friday it will investigate a potential international visitor levy so they contribute to the tourism infrastructure they use and help to conserve the country’s natural environment.
The proposed levy would be up to $35 for per international tourist entering the country for 12 months or less, which would generate between $60-80 million in its first year.
Tourists wanting to visit Auckland (pictured) could pay an extra $35 if a proposed international visitor levy is approved
Proceeds would help conserve New Zealand’s natural environment. Pictured is Tarupo Lake
The proposal is subject to public consultation until July 15.
The good news is that Australians, visitors from most Pacific island nations and permanent residents would be exempt from the levy.
Children under the age of two and visitors travelling for business are also exempt.
New Zealand attracts 3.8 million tourists every year, which is expected to grow to 5.1 million by 2024.
The New Zealand government has welcomed feedback from the public on how levy proceeds should be spent. Pictured is Mitre Peak
‘In many places, our tourism infrastructure is creaking at the seams,’ tourism minister Kelvin Davis said on Friday.
‘We don’t believe that the financial burden should rest purely on the shoulders of New Zealanders. We do believe that visitors should pay their fair share. This levy is an important step in ensuring the growth is managed well.’
The government welcomed public input on how the proceeds of the levy would be best spent.
‘One outcome I am keen to explore is how this money can help places like Franz Joseph, and Tekapo – where not many ratepayers live, but a lot of people go and visit,’ Mr Davis said.
News of a proposed international tourist levy sparked a mixed reaction on social media
Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Chris Roberts said the new visitor tax must be spent wisely.
‘No final decisions have been made on the split between conservation and tourism, what sort of projects should be funded, or how the decisions should be made,’ he said.
‘Our international visitors will be more accepting of being charged to come to New Zealand if they can clearly see it is going to support infrastructure and services that enhance their visit. Our key priority with this new charge is ensuring the revenue is directed to where it can do the most good, relieving pressure on infrastructure and ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding visitor experiences.’
If approved, the levy is expected to be implemented in mid to late 2019.
The proposal sparked a mixed reaction from international tourists currently visiting New Zealand.
The New Zealand government has vowed to take the tourism industry’s concerns into account. Pictured is Tongariro National Park in Wellington
‘If you want to come and work here you have to pay $200 for a visa, but if you come as a visitor for three months you don’t have to pay,’ French tourist Lucile Cardona told Stuff.
But US tourist Elisabeth Steiger added: ‘Fifty dollars would be the most I’d pay overall but anything above that would be a bit ridiculous, especially with how many tourists come here at the first place.’
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult believed a bed tax was a more ‘logical’ concept.
‘We are wearing the pain of New Zealand’s largest industry – tourism,’ he told Stuff.
‘For us to continue to present Queenstown as a beautiful place, as it is, we need more money and a bed tax is the most painless way to do it.’
Australians, visitors from most other Pacific island nations and permanent residents would be exempt from the levy
The news sparked a mixed reaction on social media.
‘Big mistake tourists already spend money in NZ create employment and pay as they spend. A double whammy that will damage tourism to NZ & why exempt Australia?’ one man tweeted.
But public policy expert Dr Valentina Dinica added: ‘Great decision to finally charge international tourists a conservation &levy in NZ. But funds must meaningfully help ecosystem recovery. Many large operators with mono/oligopoly in NatParks pay tiny fees but charge huge prices.’
Mr Davis said he has taken the tourism industry’s concerns into account.
‘But we know, given the projected growth in visitors that doing nothing, is not an option,’ he said.