Two destination management consultants would support a tourism tax if it is invested back into the industry and, in particular, the regions that need it.
Whanganui-based Lyn Cheyne and business partner David Hammond have endorsed Regional Tourism New Zealand's call for a national discussion on tourism tax, saying any advice from government officials must take into account the providers and associations directly dealing with issues.
"We know regional and smaller districts within New Zealand are struggling to manage capacity issues," Ms Cheyne said.
"Using available and local ratepayer funds to address a national issue removes the ability of these communities to invest in their future in other ways."
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has defined funding growth infrastructure as its top priority. Recent work published by LGNZ around economic development (which includes tourism) shows that average expenditure per council is 2.1 per cent of total operating expenditure. However, the amount varies widely with the smallest communities having the highest spend per resident on tourism infrastructure.