New Zealand announced it will nearly triple entry fees for tourists starting October 1, raising the international visitor and conservation and tourism fees from NZ$35 to NZ$100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and preserve the natural environment. The government believes the fee increase is necessary to cover the costs associated with high numbers of tourists and maintain the quality of tourist experiences in the country.
The tourism sector in New Zealand has criticized the fee increase, arguing that it will deter visitors and further impact an industry still recovering from strict border closures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data released by Stats NZ showed that travel export receipts were down 5% from pre-pandemic levels, with visitor numbers at 80% of pre-closure levels.
In addition to the fee increase, the government has also raised the costs of visitor visas and is considering increasing charges on regional airports, leading to concerns about the impact on the tourism sector’s ability to contribute to New Zealand’s economic recovery. The Tourism Industry Association believes that the fee hikes will damage the country’s global competitiveness and hinder the industry’s recovery efforts.
Despite the criticism from the tourism sector, the government remains confident that New Zealand will continue to be seen as an attractive visitor destination. The fee increase is part of the government’s efforts to address the impact of tourism on the environment and ensure that visitors contribute to the preservation of New Zealand’s natural beauty.
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