What's happened
Starting October 1, 2024, New Zealand will increase its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy from NZD 35 to NZD 100. This decision aims to address the environmental and infrastructural pressures caused by rising tourist numbers, despite concerns from the tourism sector about its potential impact on visitor numbers.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Ivana Saric from Axios, New Zealand's government stated that the increased fees are necessary to manage the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by tourism. Matt Doocey, the Tourism Minister, noted that the levy would ensure international visitors contribute to conservation efforts. However, as reported by Maroosha Muzaffar in The Independent, the tourism sector fears that the increase could deter visitors, especially given the recent rise in visa fees. The International Air Transport Association echoed these concerns, describing the fee hike as a 'double whammy' for the industry. Critics argue that while the government aims to enhance visitor experiences and support conservation, the financial burden may make New Zealand less attractive compared to other destinations.
How we got here
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) was introduced in 2019 to ensure tourists contribute to the costs associated with their visit. The increase comes as New Zealand's tourism sector struggles to recover from the pandemic, with visitor numbers still at about 80% of pre-COVID levels.
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.