New Zealand confirms tourist tax
The New Zealand government confirmed international travellers will soon pay a $35 tourist tax.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy had been debated for many months and will generate about $80 million a year.
It will be collected via visa fees and the new Electronic Travel Authority, and the revenues will be used to pay for infrastructure and conservation, said tourism minister Kelvin Davis.
Davis said concerns were raised by the NZ tourism industry and airline stakeholders when the fee was first mooted.
"We don’t believe the financial burden should rest solely on the shoulder of New Zealanders, we do believe visitors should pay their fair share," Davis said.
He said revenues will be shared equally between conservation and tourism infrastructure projects.
"The money raised through the levy will help improve the protection and enhancement of New Zealand’s distinctive natural environment and improve tourism planning," said conservation minister Eugenie Sage.
Legislation will likely be passed for the tourism levy in mid-2019, Davis added.
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