New Zealand to triple entry fees for international tourists from Oct 1

As per the latest development, New Zealand is all set to nearly triple entry fees for international tourists, a move that has sparked criticism from the nation's vital tourism sector.

Announced by the government recently, the new fee structure will see the international visitor and conservation and tourism fees increase from NZD 35 (USD 21.77) to NZD 100 (USD 62.20) starting October 1.

Referring to this, the government stated that the fee hike aims to ensure that visitors contribute adequately to public services and the high-quality experiences New Zealand offers.

The decision comes as the country grapples with the environmental impact of tourism, which has strained infrastructure in popular destinations.

Since its introduction in July 2019, the USD 35 fee has proven insufficient to cover the costs associated with managing the influx of tourists.

With the new fees, the government hopes to balance the need for sustainable tourism with maintaining the country’s appeal as a top travel destination.