Bad news for New Zealand tourists

New Zealand plans to triple taxes on international tourists. The country's government made an announcement on Tuesday (September 3). However, after this announcement, the organizations related to the country's tourism industry reacted strongly.

In a report, the media Al Jazeera says, New Zealand has announced plans to almost triple the tax on international tourists.

New Zealand's National Party-led coalition government has said it will increase the so-called International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) from NZ$35 to NZ$100 from October 1.

Tourism Minister Matt Ducey said the tax increase would allow the country's tourism industry to grow and ensure tourists contribute to 'high-value conservation areas and projects'. These include supporting biodiversity and improving the visitor experience in national parks and other high visitation areas.'

He added that an IVL of $100 is typically less than 3 percent of an international tourist's total spend while in New Zealand. Which means, this tax may not have a significant impact on the number of tourists.

The country's tourism industry has reacted strongly to this announcement. Tourism Industry Aotearoa, New Zealand's tourism industry body, said the tax hike would make the country 'incredibly expensive'.

The agency said the recent 60 percent increase in visitor visa fees would take the cost of traveling to New Zealand to NZ$500 per person. That's more than double the cost of a trip to Canada and two-thirds more than a trip to Australia.

Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association has also expressed disappointment in this decision of the New Zealand government. The agency also described the tax hike as a 'double whammy' for the sector.

Bangladesh /FM