Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) has introduced a $35 (R325) International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to be implemented ahead of the peak 2019/20 tourism season.
The revenue from the levy will be invested in the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Judy Chen, executive officer for TECNZ says: “This new levy needs to be additional to the funding that already exists through initiatives like the Tourism Infrastructure Fund and the Provincial Growth Fund. All serve a slightly different purpose and are helping to deal with the cost pressures associated with tourism growth. Nor should the money raised from the levy go towards business-as-usual activities. Instead, it should be used for new tourism and conservation projects and initiatives.”
The Japanese government also recently implemented a JPY1 000 (R128) international tourist tax, applicable to all foreign visitors departing Japan. This was done to improve access to information about attractions in Japan, and to develop tourist resources.
