A dream trip to New Zealand will also become more expensive for German tourists: The government of the Pacific state has announced that it will almost triple the tourist tax for holidaymakers from most countries in the world. Instead of the current 35 New Zealand dollars (20 euros), the “International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy” (IVL) will cost 100 New Zealand dollars (56 euros) from October 1st.
The amount is paid online in advance when applying for the electronic entry permit NZeTA. German, Austrian and Swiss citizens do not need a visa if they want to stay in the country for a maximum of three months. Anyone who wants to stay longer must enter with a visitor’s visa. The costs for this will also increase significantly from next month.
Criticism from the tourism industry
“International tourism plays a hugely important role in New Zealand’s economy,” said Tourism Minister Matt Doocey. But it also brings high costs to local communities, “including additional pressure on regional infrastructure and higher maintenance and upkeep costs in our nature reserves.” He is confident that his country will continue to be seen as an attractive travel destination by many people around the world in the future.
Critics doubt this. The tourism association TIA warned that New Zealand has had problems reviving tourism since the end of the corona pandemic and is lagging behind the rest of the world. “This will now further affect our global competitiveness,” said managing director Rebecca Ingram. The higher fee is expected to result in tens of thousands fewer holidaymakers coming each year.
New Zealand, which consists of two main islands, is a dream destination for many people around the world. In addition to untouched nature, huge glaciers, fjords and volcanoes, the country also attracts visitors with metropolises such as Auckland and wonderful beaches.
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