22 May 2015
The Government has announced that it will implement a passenger levy of $22 for a return international trip. Auckland Airport considers that this new tax could impact New Zealand’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, especially for those travellers who are price sensitive.
It is regrettable that the implementation of this new tax happens at a time when the tourism industry is starting to experience solid growth, following many years of average performance. Auckland Airport has been working very closely with the Government to remove barriers to tourism and travel, so this announcement is disappointing.
Auckland Airport will continue to work with Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries to find process efficiencies and to improve productivity, which will in turn deliver cost savings to the Government. It is essential that any revenue from the new levy is used for initiatives that protect New Zealand’s borders and improve the experience of the travellers that will be paying it.
Auckland Airport is also committed to continuing to work with Tourism New Zealand, the airlines and its travel industry partners to grow the tourism industry and its contribution to New Zealand’s economy.
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For further information please contact:
Simon Lambourne
+64 9 255 9089
+64 27 477 6120
[email protected]