MEDIA RELEASE
Airbnb welcomes progress on Queenstown visitor levy
Auckland, New Zealand - Thursday 12 September 2019
Statement from Airbnb’s Regional Policy Director Brent Thomas
“Airbnb welcomes the Government’s decision to work with Queenstown Lakes District Council on drafting a bill which is an
important step to making the proposed visitor levy a reality.
“With more than 34 international visitors for every one Queenstown resident, it is clear that the existing sources of
revenue are inadequate and place a disproportionate burden on local families and businesses.
“We support Mayor Boult’s infrastructure vision for this beautiful region, and his plan to introduce a new visitor levy
in Queenstown to support that infrastructure. Airbnb has long advocated for visitor levies and believe they are a fair,
proven and sustainable way to raise revenue for local communities.
“Importantly, Mayor Boult’s plan has a clear mandate from the local community who voted overwhelming in favour of
introducing a new visitor levy.
“Airbnb stands ready to work with the Government and Council on introducing the new visitor levy on all accommodation
providers.”
ENDS