4th October 2023 Opinion / Tourist Levy
As NZ considers charging for Milford Sound, Venice is applying a tourist tax but do they really help address tourism pressure?
The Aotea Great Barrier Island community board has wrapped up community consultation on a plan to introduce a visitor levy.
The $5 Stewart Island visitor levy is a possible model for the Hauraki Gulf destination.
A tourist tax could see the resort lose its competitive edge, and add to headwinds already being felt, say operators.
Attractions, activities and accommodation operators could all be hit by the resort’s proposed local tourist levy.
Scant detail was given when Queenstown Lakes District Council mayor Jim Boult yesterday announced a non-binding referendum would be held to test community support for a local visitor levy to help fund infrastructure at NZ’s premier tourist destination.
Mackenzie plans to follow Queenstown’s lead and hold a referendum on a local tourist tax.
The tourism industry is clamouring for more detail on a proposed Queenstown local visitor levy following yesterday’s announcement that a non-binding referendum is to be held to test support for the move.
The resort is planning a non-binding referendum to test support for the charge.