Starting October 1st, New Zealand will significantly increase its fee for international tourists, nearly tripling the current amount. The popular tourist destination is raising its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) from NZ$35 to NZ$100. This substantial hike aims to cover the costs that tourism imposes on local communities, including the strain on infrastructure and the upkeep of natural sites.
Matt Doocey, the country’s Minister for Hospitality and Tourism, explained that the additional funds would help manage these impacts and ensure sustainable tourism growth. He emphasized the importance of international tourism to New Zealand’s economy, stating that international visitors spent over NZ$11 billion in the year ending March 2024.
The IVL was initially introduced in 2019 to ensure international tourists contribute to the expenses typically covered by New Zealand taxpayers. A consultation conducted by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) revealed that 93% of participants favored increasing the IVL. The government believes the additional charge will reasonably offset tourism costs and maintain the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.
While the new rate is higher, the statement assures that it remains “competitive with countries like Australia and the UK.” The Department of Conservation is confident that New Zealand will remain a popular destination for travellers worldwide. The NZ$100 IVL represents a small portion of the average tourist’s total spending, likely having minimal impact on overall visitor numbers.
Doocey stressed the importance of the increased IVL in supporting both economic growth and conservation efforts. He stated, “Increasing the IVL means we can continue to grow international tourism to support economic growth while ensuring international visitors contribute to high-value conservation areas and projects, such as supporting biodiversity in national parks and other highly visited areas and improving visitor experiences on public conservation land.”
