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Tourism tax on the agenda in New Zealand election

Tourism tax on the agenda in New Zealand election
September 6, 2017

New Zealand’s Labour Party has revealed it will introduce a $25 tax levy on incoming visitors if it gains power in the country’s general election on Saturday 23rd September.

The current opposition party claims that the tourism tax would provide $75 million each year to fund new infrastructure throughout the country, through its proposed Tourism and Conservation Infrastructure Fund.

New Zealand Labour’s tourism spokesperson Kris Faafoi said the country needs more infrastructure to serve international visitors, “especially if we want to attract high-spending tourists”.

Faafoi stated “from Northland to Southland, councils are facing increasing pressure to support growing numbers of tourists without the funds to do it.

“It’s time for the Government to help ensure we deliver a world-class experience to tourists, without unfairly burdening local communities.”

The proposed fund will contribute $45 million each year to tourism infrastructure and training, and $30 million to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

Faafoi said there is no evidence that a levy of less than 1% of what the average tourist spends in New Zealand will hurt tourism, adding “the Tourism and Conservation Infrastructure Fund will ensure New Zealand has the infrastructure and attractions needed to support tourism, and that our natural treasures that bring so many visitors here are protected and enhanced for future generations.”

Labour has seen a rise is popularity since Jacinda Ardern took over leadership in August, especially among young New Zealanders who have shown support for the party’s plan to introduce free tertiary education.

Image shows the Otago Central Rail Trail.

21st August 2017 - INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO NEW ZEALAND SPEND $10.3 BILLION IN YEAR TO JUNE 2017

13th June 2017 - NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT COMMITS $5.2 MILLION FOR 28 NEW TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS 

12th May 2017 - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION TO RAISE CHARGES FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS WALKING NEW ZEALAND’S TRAILS 

11th May 2017 - NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $100 MILLION TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 

21st March 2017 - TOURISM SUPPORTS ONE IN 10 JOBS, OUTPACING GLOBAL ECONOMY FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

14th March 2017 - SURVEY REVEALS DEPTH OF NEW ZEALAND TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

31st January 2017 - TOURISM INDUSTRY AIMS TO MAINTAIN RECORD GROWTH 

26th May 2016 - NEW ZEALAND BUDGET BACKS ELITE SPORT AND TOURISM, CUTS FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

20th March 2016 - TIANZ CALLS FOR TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 

21st December 2014 - NZRA HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF COUNCIL RECREATION INVESTMENT

18th April 2014 - MORE THAN A MILLION VISITORS PARTICIPATE IN WALKING AND HIKING IN NEW ZEALAND IN FIVE YEARS

5th February 2014 - CYCLE TRAILS MAKING POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE NEW ZEALAND ECONOMY


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