Tourists visiting popular sites in New Zealand will soon be required to pay a fee
In a bid to manage tourism impact and fund conservation efforts, the government of New Zealand is set to implement entry fees for foreign tourists at some of its most popular tourist destinations. Starting next year, visitors will be charged between NZ$20 and NZ$40 per person[1][2][3][4], with higher charges (up to NZ$40) applied at major attractions such as Milford Track, Mount Cook (Aoraki), Cathedral Cove, and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
This move marks New Zealand's first step towards taxing foreign visitors at its most visited tourist sites. The fees will be used to reinvest in the tourist locations, ensuring their preservation and maintenance for future generations[1][2]. Unlike other destinations, New Zealand aims to continue welcoming foreign tourists while also asking them to contribute financially.
Foreign tourists typically make up 80% of visitors at these sites in New Zealand. However, New Zealanders will not be charged to access the conservation estate. This decision reflects the government's commitment to ensuring locals have free access to their country's natural beauty.
The government has also recently relaxed requirements around residence by investment to attract more foreigners[5]. This move, coupled with the new entry fees, indicates a strategic approach to balancing tourism and conservation in New Zealand.
Interestingly, various tourist locations worldwide are implementing similar fees to counter an influx of visitors. For instance, Amsterdam has banned the construction of new hotels, while Venice has introduced day-tripper fees. Rome has even started charging travelers for access to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon[6].
As tourism continues to grow, it's clear that measures like these will become increasingly common. New Zealand's approach, with its focus on reinvesting the generated revenue into the tourist locations, offers a potential model for other countries to follow.
[1] Stuff.co.nz, "Tourist sites to charge foreign visitors up to $40", 2021. [2] Newshub.co.nz, "Foreign tourists to pay to visit Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Cathedral Cove", 2021. [3] NZ Herald, "New Zealand to charge foreign tourists up to $40 to visit popular sites", 2021. [4] RNZ, "Tourist sites to charge foreign visitors", 2021. [5] Immigration New Zealand, "Residence by Investment", 2021. [6] Lonely Planet, "Tourist taxes: the pros and cons", 2021.
- In an effort to fund conservation and uphold the preservation of popular tourist destinations, the government of New Zealand is planning to use the generated revenue from these entry fees to reinvest in the tourist locations, promoting a sustainable lifestyle and financial support for future generations.
- As tourists continue to flock to New Zealand, the new travel fees not only serve as a means to manage tourism impact but also as a strategic move to contribute financially to the maintenance and improvement of the country's natural landscapes, aligning with the global trend of tourist locations implementing similar charges to counter the influx of visitors.
