International Visitor Levy reset to keep taxes low

We’re helping regions invest in the services they need to keep up with tourism growth

Tourism is our second-largest export earner and supports around one in nine jobs. National believes that growth should be managed responsibly, so regions that experience the benefits of New Zealand’s tourism industry aren’t also left to carry all of the costs. To support a vibrant tourism industry capable of maintaining its social licence, a re-elected National Government will reset funding from the International Visitor Levy (IVL), so councils see a direct and growing financial return from the visitors they host, without a new bed tax.

What we'll do

Direct more International Visitor Levy funding to conservation

by providing $100 million per annum to the Department of Conservation to keep investing in the conservation estate that underpins New Zealand's visitor experience.

Create a Tourism Priorities Fund

by ring-fencing $50 million per annum to support tourism growth and resilience, including international marketing, visitor infrastructure in high-growth regions, event attraction, tourism data, and the tourism workforce.

Regional funding for councils

by distributing all remaining IVL revenue to councils, based on their share of international visitor guest nights.

Back the regions that host our visitors

by providing councils with funding that can be used for conservation and tourism purposes, including freedom-camping enforcement, public toilets and waste management, tourism promotion, event attraction, visitor infrastructure, and traffic and parking management.

Provide certainty for tourism growth

by committing that there will be no increase in the International Visitor Levy for at least the next three years, while continuing to support sustainable tourism growth.