Preedee TeoAfter recently announcing plans to increase visa fees for international travellers, New Zealand is set to significantly increase its tourist tax starting 1 Oct 2024. The fee, which will rise from NZ$35 to NZ$100 (S$28 to S$80), aims to fund conservation initiatives and mitigate the environmental impact of tourism.
Also read: New Zealand Will Implement a Sharp Increase in Visa Fees for Tourists
Tourist tax hike: A bane or boon for New Zealand?
Image credit: Aaron Sebastian | Unsplash
While the increase is intended to protect New Zealand’s natural beauty, it has sparked concerns among tourism bodies and visitors. The hike comes at a time when visitor numbers are still recovering from the pandemic, and some argue that it could deter potential travellers.
Environmental impact of tourism
The tourism industry has been a significant contributor to New Zealand’s economy, but it has also had a negative impact on the environment. The influx of visitors can lead to overcrowding, erosion, and pollution, damaging the very landscapes that attract tourists in the first place.
Ongoing funding conservation efforts
In 2019, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy was implemented to raise funds to contribute to the funding of various conservation projects, such as habitat restoration, pest eradication, and maintaining cycling trails. However, the money that was raised has proven insufficient to address the extensive environmental challenges facing New Zealand.
How does the tourist tax hike compare with other destinations
While the proposed fee hike in New Zealand may seem steep compared to some other tourist destinations, it is relatively reasonable when compared to ecologically sensitive areas like the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos recently increased its entry fee to €184 (S$265), reflecting the need for greater conservation efforts.
Potential economic impact of the hike
Tourism bodies in New Zealand have expressed concerns that the fee hike could negatively impact the economy. NZ Airports have argued that it could deter visitors, while Tourism Industry Aotearoa has described it as a barrier to travel.
The timing of the tourist tax hike coincides with a 60% increase in New Zealand visa fees. This means that visitors will face a significant rise in costs to enter the country.
Also read: New Zealand Takes the Crown as World’s Most Beautiful Country
Currently, tourist tax has yet to be adjusted which means tourists can still enjoy a lower cost to visit New Zealand. However, this hike calls for a reminder to international travellers to be more mindful of how they conduct themselves in another country. Small steps towards environmental awareness can go a long way to preserve the pristine beauty of natural landscapes for everyone to enjoy!
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