It appears New Zealand is determined to roll up the welcome mat for tourists.
It was announced that the land of the long white cloud will almost triple its entry tax from NZ$35 to NZ$100, or about $92.15.
The government says this is to help economic growth and “ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand”.
Fortunately, Australia and surrounding Pacific Islanders will be exempt from the fee.
Australia makes up about 45 per cent of tourist visitor numbers to the New Zealand.
But while the government is happy with this money grab, a leading tourism body is less enthused.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram said it was another barrier for NZ tourism.
“New Zealand’s tourism recovery is falling behind the rest of the world, and this will further dent our global competitiveness,” Ms Ingram said.
The levy was introduced in 2019 to upgrade the country’s tourism infrastructure. However, tourism operators are concerned it’s just another reason for people not to visit the country as it struggles to return to pre-pandemic visitor levels.
It is of particular concern to cruise ships, which will collectively have to recoup an estimated $2 million in costs from cruises already booked and paid for.
The above announcement comes after New Zealand increased the processing cost for travellers arriving by cruise ship from $11.48 to $21.54, an increase of $10.06 per passenger. This represents an extra $30,000 in costs for a ship of 3000 passengers.
“While cruise tourism is at record levels internationally, New Zealand destinations face a 22 per cent fall in cruise visitors during the upcoming summer season, largely due to high costs and regulatory complexities,” said Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director in Australasia Joel Katz.
More fees
While we are on the subject, Europe has introduced some new ‘entry’ authorisation fees.
It’s all part of the ETIAS program, a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals from 60 nations, including Australians.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
Before you get all panicked about busting your budget, the application fee is $11.50.
The authorisation covers Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
An ETIAS authorisation means you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
It will come into effect in the first half of 2025.
However it does not guarantee entry, you will still have to show documentation including your passport when you enter a country.
The ETIAS is linked to your passport.
It is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
Go to the ETIAS website and fill out the application form online, or apply through the ETIAS mobile app.
Do you think New Zealand’s entry fees are fair? Why not share your opinion in the comments section below?
Also read: Where do we love to travel?
