A great suggestion from The Greens, as reported on RNZ:
‘Taonga tax’ proposed for international visitors
The Green Party is pushing for a tourism tax to pay for much-needed regional infrastructure and the government’s predator-free plan.
The Taonga Levy – which would cost between $14 and $18 – would be added to existing border charges for international visitors.
Green Party co-leader James Shaw said international visitor numbers were expected to reach 4.5 million in the next six years. A $14-18 levy would bring in more than $60m a year, he said.
Predator-Free New Zealand would get about $46m and the Regional Tourism Facilities Fund $20m, under the Greens’ plan.
“The Taonga Levy will bring in tens of millions of dollars every year to help make New Zealand’s dream of being predator-free a reality, and help tourism hotspots cope with rising visitor numbers.
“The government has failed to back up its glitzy predator-free promise with the money to get the job done. The Taonga Levy will help make it actually happen,” he said.
Labour leader Andrew Little said a tourist tax was a good idea in principle. …
$18 per visitor is an inconsequential sum to any tourist paying to come to NZ, and a useful income stream for NZ. The Greens are right to propose directing it to conservation activities. Tourists are coming for our “clean green” image (however undeserved), no reason why they shouldn’t be happy to help contributing to maintaining / strengthening it.
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