Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand will increase entry fees for international tourists from NZD 35 (USD 21.77) to NZD 100 (USD 62.20) starting October 1, 2024.
- The fee hike aims to cover infrastructure and environmental costs associated with tourism.
- Tourism leaders worry the increase may slow recovery, as visitor numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
- Additional costs, including higher visa and airport charges, are also affecting the sector.
New Zealand will raise entry fees for international tourists from NZD 35 (USD 21.77) to NZD 100 (USD 62.20) as of October 1, 2024.
The government introduced this hike to help manage the environmental and infrastructure costs of tourism, which have risen in popular destinations.
While the government aims to ensure visitors contribute more to public services, tourism industry leaders are concerned the fee increase could deter tourists and slow the sector’s recovery.
Before the pandemic, tourism was New Zealand’s largest export earner, but strict border closures led to a significant drop in visitors.
Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association, noted that New Zealand’s tourism recovery is lagging, with current visitor numbers at only 80% of pre-pandemic levels.
In addition to the fee hike, New Zealand has increased visitor visa costs, and there are proposals to raise airport charges.
Industry leaders, including Billie Moore, CEO of NZ Airports, warn that these added expenses could further hinder tourism’s recovery.
