Popular New Zealand cashes in on tourists

Wellington – Tourists to New Zealand are to be charged a special tax under new government plans announced yesterday to deal with the growing influx of holidaymakers coming from overseas.

Visitor numbers have surged by nearly a third in the past three years to 3.8 million in the 12 months to April – almost as big as the country’s population.

“This rapid growth has impacted on the costs and availability of publicly provided infrastructure,” said Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis.

“Many regions are struggling to cope and urgently need improved infrastructure, from toilet facilities to carparks.”

A tax of NZ$25-35 (about R230) will be imposed on international visitors from the middle of 2019, while price hikes for immigration fees and visas will take effect this November.

Australians and most Pacific Island forum countries will be exempt from the new charges.

Tourism is a key pillar of the New Zealand economy and the new tax is expected to raise up to NZ$80 million in its first year, which will be split between tourism infrastructure and conservation initiatives.

The main opposition National Party claimed the new tax system would make New Zealand a “less attractive” destination.

But Davis believed the impact on tourist numbers would be minimal. – AFP