Refer Report

New Zealand is set to nearly triple the tax it charges tourists starting next month. The measure comes amid a series of moves by countries to curb “overtourism” (a phenomenon in which tourists flock to places beyond their capacity and invade the lives of local residents), including the introduction of new entrance fees in Venice, Italy, and protests across Spain against tourists.

The New Zealand government announced on the 3rd (local time) in a statement that it would raise the tourist tax from 35 New Zealand dollars (about 29,000 won) to 100 New Zealand dollars (about 83,000 won) from the 1st of next month under the name of overseas visitors, conservation and tourism fee, “so that visitors can contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand.” However, this will be exempted for tourists from Pacific neighboring countries, such as Australian citizens.

The NZ$35 tourist levy was introduced in July 2019, but the reason for the increase is that it is not enough to cover the costs related to many visitors. The Guardian pointed out that “like many world-class tourist destinations, New Zealand is struggling with the impact of tourists on the natural environment and expanding infrastructure.” Tourism Minister Matt Ducey said the decision was made “to ensure that international visitors can contribute to high-value conservation areas and projects, such as supporting biodiversity in national parks.”

But Tourism Industry New Zealand said the tax hike would be a deterrent to visitors at a time when the industry was struggling to recover from the strict border closures imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. “New Zealand’s tourism recovery is lagging behind other countries and this will further weaken our global competitiveness,” Tourism Industry New Zealand CEO Rebecca Ingram said.

Last year, an estimated 3.2 million tourists visited New Zealand, including 1.3 million Australians. Markets that will be affected by the tourism tax increase include the US, China, the UK, India, South Korea, and Germany. The number of tourists visiting from these countries is approaching 1 million per year. The number of visitors is 80% of the pre-COVID-19 level, the Guardian reported. The New Zealand government recently increased the cost of visitor visas. There are also proposals to increase local airport fees.

Reporter Kim Mina mina@hani.co.kr

Source: Korean