The New Zealand government announced on Tuesday an increase of 285% of the tourist entrance tax from October 1a rate which aims to contribute to the maintenance of its public services and the preservation of its heritage.
Visitors arriving in the ocean country from that date must pay 100 New Zealand dollars (62 US dollars or 56 euros at the exchange rate) for the conservation and tourism levy for international visitors, up from 35 New Zealand dollars (21 US dollars or nearly 20 euros) as of today. This levy is in addition to the visa fee.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey said the new tariff would help by covering some of the costs that tourism brings to the country.indicates the official press release.
“International tourism imposes costs on local communities, including additional pressure on regional infrastructure and increased maintenance and conservation costs in our conservation area,” says Doocey, highlighting the tourism sector’s important contribution to the local economy.
Nearly 4.9 million tourists visited New Zealand in 2023 and contributed around NZ$11 billion (US$6.829 million or €6.177 million) to the economy, according to official data.
Doocey assured that despite the rate increase, implemented since 2019, the New Zealand government is committed to continuing to grow the sector and that it is “unlikely” that the new rate, which represents less than 3% of total spending per visitor, will have a significant impact on visitor numbers.
However, Rebecca Ingram, chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, estimates the increase will drive away around 48,000 visitors. and this will mean a reduction in tourist spending, as he told the public channel Radio New Zealand.
