Update: This article has been updated to reflect that Kysle Andrews did not say that the levy would be included in the cost of the visa application. eTNW apologises for this mistake.
New Zealand’s Minister of Tourism, Kelvin Davis has proposed a levy of between NZD25 (R234) and NZD35 (R328) per tourist.
If implemented the levy will be collected through visa applications and a proposed Electronic Travel Authority.
The Minister said, “We need a smarter way to fund the great infrastructure tourists need to make the most of their time here. We want them to leave New Zealand with the best memories and part of that means providing the services they need to help them enjoy our country. It’s only fair that they make a small contribution so that we can help provide the infrastructure they need and better protect the natural places they enjoy.”
Agents canvased by eTNW said that the levy was unlikely to deter South African travellers. “New Zealand is a niche destination with unique offers, as a result there are not a lot of competing destinations. If a traveller wants to visit New Zealand they usually have specific requirements that can’t be met by travelling elsewhere,” said Kysle Andrews, a personal travel advisor for Pentravel.
The New Zealand Department of Tourism has confirmed that should the levy be introduced it would be included in the cost of the visa application.
Kysle added that, in this case, travellers may not be too cognisant of the added expense.
