Travelers may be asked to pay up to $24 at high-traffic attractions.
Trips Down Under just got a tiny bit more expensive.
New Zealand is planning to start charging foreigners up to NZ$40 (approximately $24) to visit popular tourist destinations in a bid to bolster the country’s economy.
The island nation, renowned for its pristine national parks and incredible walking trails, will make overseas travelers pay to see high-traffic sites, such as the Milford Track and Mount Cook, as reported by Bloomberg. The estimated NZ$62 million (about $37 million) in annual revenue generated will be reinvested into those locations, according to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
“I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free," Luxon said in a speech Saturday. “It’s only fair that at these special locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution of between NZ$20 and NZ$40 per person."
New Zealand is focusing on tourism as a way to generate economic growth following a recession last year. The government will initially consider introducing the fee at Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook, as foreigners typically make up 80 percent of visitors at these sites. “At the same time, there will be no charge for New Zealanders to access the conservation estate," Luxon added. “It’s our collective inheritance and Kiwis shouldn’t have to pay to see it."
In addition, the government is replacing a costly transit visa for Chinese travelers this November to help attract visitors. It has also recently relaxed requirements around residence by investment to lure more foreigners.
New Zealand isn’t the only country making jetsetters fork out. Rome has started charging travelers for access to the famous Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon to counter an influx of visitors. Several popular destinations have enacted anti-tourism policies to quash growing crowds: Amsterdam has banned the construction of new hotels, and Venice has introduced day-tripper fees, for example. The difference here is that New Zealand wants foreigners to continue coming, but also pay for the pleasure. We’ll soon see whether that works.
If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, check out our guide for all the best places to eat, stay, and play.
From the article by Rachel Cormack
