The tourism industry is welcoming a proposal to charge tourists a levy to help pay for regional tourism infrastructure and upkeep of Department of Conservation-owned tourist attractions.
Minister of Tourism Kelvin Davis yesterday unveiled a proposal that would charge overseas tourists between $25 and $35 on their visa or a new Electronic Travel Authority document.
"New Zealand is an extraordinary destination for tourists and our rising tourist numbers bear out the popularity of our unique country. But with success comes a burden," Davis said.
"This rapid growth has impacted on the costs and availability of publicly-provided infrastructure. Many regions are struggling to cope and urgently need improved infrastructure, from toilet facilities to carparks."
The levy, if approved after consultation, would collect about $57-80 million in its first year, depending on the rate, which would be split between tourism infrastructure and conservation activity.
Australians and people from most Pacific Island Forum countries would be exempt.