EDS supports Visitor Levy

Friday, 15 June 2018, 2:09 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

The Environmental Defence Society supports the Government’s proposal to introduce a targeted Visitor Levy to apply at the New Zealand border.

The Minister of Tourism has announced a proposed levy of $25-35 for inbound visitors to New Zealand with an expected annual return of $57-80 million. The funds will be spent on tourism infrastructure and conservation.

“EDS has been supportive of such a levy for some time. It makes sense for visitors to contribute to the facilities and environment they enjoy through a direct, hypothecated charge of this kind,” said EDS CEO Gary Taylor.

“This move will help transition New Zealand towards a premium rather than mass tourism market. It will also enable the funding of much-needed infrastructure including toilets, caravan parks and scenic viewpoints. We really need to catch up with the massive increases in visitor numbers with much improved facilities that will reduce adverse impacts on the environment.

“New Zealand’s international offering is one based largely on our natural world: our landscapes, forests, beaches and native flora and fauna. Setting aside a proportion of the levy income for investment in maintaining and improving our natural capital makes good sense.

“The question that needs careful thought is how to divvy up the additional revenue between conservation and infrastructure. On infrastructure it would be good to look to joint funding with local government. On conservation we need to direct funding to managing visitor impacts on the conservation estate.

“Tourism is our biggest export earner and New Zealand needs to address the way forward for the sector with more care than in the past when we have free-rided on our natural attractions.

Finally, it is quite strange that we have a very large Ministry for Primary Industries but tourism in our country is managed by a very small group inside MBIE. Institutional reform should be the next cab off the rank,” said Mr Taylor.

ends

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Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

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