New Zealand to impose levy on intl visitors

WELLINGTON - New Zealand Minister of Tourism Kelvin Davis on Friday announced a proposed levy on international visitors to ease the cost burden on communities and ratepayers for tourism-related infrastructure.

The levy would be collected through visa applications and a proposed Electronic Travel Authority. Australians and people from most Pacific Island Forum countries would be exempt, Davis said in a statement.

"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, he said, adding that many regions are struggling to cope and urgently need improved infrastructure, from toilet facilities to carparks.

According to the proposal, most international visitors entering New Zealand for 12 months or less would be charged a levy, proposed to be between NZ$25 ($17.38) to NZ$35.

The levy would collect around NZ$57-80 million in its first year, depending on the rate, which will be split between tourism infrastructure and conservation activity, it said, adding as the proposed levy will be required to go through a legislative process, it will likely be implemented in the second half of 2019.