New Zealand is tripling its tourism levy from next month, to about £47 per person.
Tourism Minister Matt Doocey said the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will increase from NZ$35 (£16.50) to NZ$100 (£47) from 1 October.
On the same date, the cost of visas will also go up – in a move that has already been announced – by NZ$130 to NZ$341, although British nationals staying for less than six months don’t need a visa.
The visa and levy hikes have criticised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA Regional Vice President for North Asia and Asia-Pacific Xie Xingquan said: “These changes make travel to New Zealand more expensive and less attractive and could further delay the recovery in visitor numbers to beyond 2026.
“It has been a double whammy for the New Zealand travel and tourism sector, starting with New Zealand Immigration announcing steep increases in visa fees, and now the increase in the international visitor levy.”
Minister Doocey said: “The new levy remains competitive with countries like Australia and the UK, and we are confident New Zealand will continue to be seen as an attractive visitor destination by many around the world.”
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Tourism Minister Matt Doocey said the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will increase from NZ$35 (£16.50) to NZ$100 (£47) from 1 October.
On the same date, the cost of visas will also go up – in a move that has already been announced – by NZ$130 to NZ$341, although British nationals staying for less than six months don’t need a visa.
The visa and levy hikes have criticised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA Regional Vice President for North Asia and Asia-Pacific Xie Xingquan said: “These changes make travel to New Zealand more expensive and less attractive and could further delay the recovery in visitor numbers to beyond 2026.
“It has been a double whammy for the New Zealand travel and tourism sector, starting with New Zealand Immigration announcing steep increases in visa fees, and now the increase in the international visitor levy.”
Minister Doocey said: “The new levy remains competitive with countries like Australia and the UK, and we are confident New Zealand will continue to be seen as an attractive visitor destination by many around the world.”
The post New Zealand to triple tourism levy from next month appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
