The Government have announced an increase to the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which will be raised to $100 from 1 October, 2024.
The IVL was introduced in 2019 to ensure visitors contribute to the costs of maintaining the services, experiences and infrastructure they use when visiting Aotearoa. It is expected that the increased IVL amount will generate $229 million per year.
The Government have indicated they are still considering proposals around where the levy investment should be used. Currently investment goes towards supporting conservation and tourism initiatives, however, the Association has proposed that there should be an allocation for some of the levy to be used for hospitality-focused services and infrastructure projects.
Before the move to $100 the levy was set at $35 and is charged to most international travelers coming to Aotearoa. Visitors that are exempt from the requirement to pay the IVL include New Zealand and Australian citizens and permanent residents, diplomats and people from many Pacific Island countries.