New Zealand Doubles Tourism Tax and NZeTA Fee to Fund Environment and Infrastructure
New Zealand is set to double the price of its tourism tax and its Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) from October 1, 2024. The move aims to fund the preservation of the country's natural environment and tourist infrastructure, as international visitor numbers grow.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will increase from 35 NZ$ to 100 NZ$. This represents less than 3% of an international visitor's total spending during their stay. The NZeTA application fee will also rise, to 117 NZ$ via the mobile app and 123 NZ$ online. The increase remains competitive with other countries like Australia and the UK.
Citizens of 44 visa-exempt countries must apply for an NZeTA and pay the IVL before traveling. However, transit passengers at Auckland Airport, holders of certain passports, and visas are exempt. The increase has public support, with 93% of consultation participants backing it.
The New Zealand government hopes the IVL increase will better fund environmental protection and tourist infrastructure. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expresses concern that the higher tax may deter visitors and slow the recovery of visitor numbers.
