New Zealand’s International Visitor Levy is increasing from $35 to $100NZD per person from October 1 2024.
Despite the increase in cost to visitors, Tourism New Zealand remains confident that New Zealand will still be a desirable destination for visitors, and believes that the additional fee is “unlikely to have a significant impact on visitor numbers.”
The decision to increase the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will ensure that visitors give back to New Zealand by improving public facilities and contributing to conservation efforts to protect the destination’s natural environment, according to the tourist board.
Matt Doocey, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, said: “International tourism plays a hugely important role in the New Zealand economy, with international visitors spending over $11 billion in the year ending March 2024. But international tourism also comes with costs to local communities, including additional pressure on regional infrastructure and higher upkeep and maintenance costs across our conservation estate.”
He continued: “The new IVL 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.
Doocey claims that a $100 IVL would generally make up less than 3% of the total spending for an international visitor while in New Zealand, “meaning it is unlikely to have a significant impact on visitor numbers.”
A statement from the tourist board read: “Tourist taxes and levies are common across the globe and are just one factor when travellers are picking their next destination.
“We know visitors from across the world visit New Zealand to enjoy our landscapes. New Zealand’s International Visitor Levy supports visitors to give back to New Zealand. It is used to maintain public facilities that visitors use and support conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s natural environment.
“Tourism New Zealand’s focus remains firmly on working with our partners in market to promote New Zealand and turn the dream of a holiday into a reality. While it is too early to determine whether the levy will impact demand, Tourism New Zealand will monitor this closely.”
Image credit: Tourism New Zealand
