The country has seen a massive decline in visitor flow (post-COVID-19); by 2024, 84% of travellers returned (compared to pre-COVID-19 levels), despite New Zealand taking the decision to increase the fee. New Zealand has been focusing on promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism.
The Tourism Ministry’s new strategy aims to attract visitors who spend more and stay longer, moving away from budget backpackers, Euro News reported.
Read also: New Zealand announces stricter work visa rules as migration surges
New Zealand is set to dramatically increase entry tax for foreign tourists, a move some fear could deter visitors.
The cost of the International Conservation and Tourism Visitor Levy will almost triple to NZ$100 (£47.20) from NZ$35 (£16.52) from 1 October.
The government said this is… image.twitter.com/t5CFYEvcwt
— ayv news (@AYVnews) September 3, 2024
Before the pandemic, tourism in New Zealand employed 8.4% of the country’s workforce, contributing about 6% of GDP. The country, with a population of 5 million, welcomed about 11 million visitors between 2016 and 2019.
The increase in the tourism tax is expected to support the country’s conservation efforts. The current international conservation and tourism tax was introduced in July 2019 and the funds have been used to implement conservation projects, including habitat restoration and pest control. However, as existing revenues are not enough to address the challenges, the government has reportedly increased the fee.
Several destinations have been imposing taxes on tourists, including Bali, Barcelona, Spain and Italy.
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