A dream trip to New Zealand is getting more expensive: The government of the Pacific state has announced that it will nearly triple the tourist tax for holidaymakers from most countries in the world. Instead of the current 35 New Zealand dollars (18 francs), the “International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy” (IVL) will cost 100 New Zealand dollars (53 euros) from October 1st. The new regulation also applies to Swiss travelers.
The fee is paid online in advance when applying for the electronic entry permit NZeTA. Swiss citizens do not need a visa for stays up to three months. However, for those wishing to stay longer, a visitor’s visa is required, and the cost for this will also rise significantly starting next month.
Critical voices from the tourism industry
“International tourism plays a hugely important role in New Zealand’s economy,” said Tourism Minister Matt Doocey. But it also brings high costs to local communities, “including additional pressure on regional infrastructure and higher upkeep and maintenance costs in our nature reserves.”
He is confident that his country will continue to be seen as an attractive travel destination by many people around the world.
Critical voices, however, doubt this. The tourism association TIA warned that New Zealand has had problems reviving tourism since the end of the corona pandemic and is lagging behind the rest of the world. “This will now further affect our global competitiveness,” said managing director Rebecca Ingram. The higher fee is expected to result in tens of thousands fewer holidaymakers coming each year.
Conversely, a study by Bangor University in Wales found little evidence that such taxes significantly discourage tourists from exploring destinations that impose them, and it’s unlikely to deter travelers from visiting, despite the increase in the tourist tax.
New Zealand, which consists of two main islands, is a dream destination for many people around the world. The country boasts untouched nature, massive glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, vibrant cities like Auckland, and stunning beaches and will undoubtedly continue to be on many bucket lists.