The New Zealand government announced a significant increase in entry fees for international tourists, nearly tripling the amount in an effort to limit tourist numbers and reduce environmental impacts on September 3. Starting October 1, the fee will rise from NZD 35 (approximately THB 741) to NZD 100 (approximately THB 2,119). The government aims to ensure that visitors contribute more to public services and enjoy a higher quality experience during their stay.
New Zealand, like many other popular global tourist destinations, has faced environmental challenges due to the high volume of visitors, which has strained its infrastructure. The initial fee of NZD 35, introduced in July 2019, was deemed insufficient to cover the costs associated with the large number of tourists.
While the government believes New Zealand will remain an attractive tourist destination despite the fee hike, the decision has sparked criticism within the tourism industry. The Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand expressed concerns that higher fees might discourage tourists, especially as the sector is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of the association, stated, “New Zealand’s tourism recovery is lagging behind other countries, and this measure will further undermine our global competitiveness.”
According to data from Stats NZ, tourism revenue for the year ending June 30, was NZD 14.96 billion, a 5% decline from pre-pandemic levels. The number of tourists is currently at about 80% of the pre-border closure figures.
In addition to the increased entry fees, the New Zealand government recently raised tourist visa fees to NZD 246 (approximately THB 5,220) and proposed higher fees for regional airports. Billy Moore, CEO of NZ Airports, described the situation as “a triple whammy” for the tourism sector, which is striving to support New Zealand’s economic recovery.
