Yes - confirming that the NZ Tourism industry is not impressed. Though Govt supporters think that most people won’t give the increased fees a second thought. What do you think? Personally - I think it’s off putting in a competitive market. It’s expensive to get here. But I suppose they hope the increased levy will just get swallowed up in the airfare price, especially if flight prices drop.
Rich people won't care, and maybe those are the only tourists they really want to attract. Like Bhutan. But others will definitely call off their trip when they add that consideration to expensive airfare just to get there and not-co-cheap lodging prices too. The elimination of $160 visa fees in Chile and Argentina led to huge jumps in tourism. Plus many people have called New Zealand "British Colombia with longer flights" or "Patagonia but more expensive." Governments don't seem to realize that their tourist product is compared to other "brands" just as consumer goods are. Italy and Greece can get away with extra fees easier than New Zealand can, in my opinion. And the USA gets away with a high visa fee for many nationalities. But if you want to take your kid to Disney World or visit Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, there aren't easy alternatives.
I hadn't heard about NZ being called, "British Colombia with longer flights" or "Patagonia but more expensive." Interesting. But I agree - I think it's short-sighted not to see that NZ has to compete on the world stage. Connectivity here remains expensive compared to pre-pandemic fares, and people are definitely seeking value right now. Accommodation is expensive here, and my perspective is that service levels have fallen too. It's a wonderful country, but fast becoming a premium experience. Tourists traffic is still approx. 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Yes, high value tourists may help fill that gap, but NZ is still definitely missing Chinese tourists in terms of numbers - and I'm not sure they'll be returning any time soon. And trying to grow incoming tourism in these competitive times is very tricky indeed.
Yes - confirming that the NZ Tourism industry is not impressed. Though Govt supporters think that most people won’t give the increased fees a second thought. What do you think? Personally - I think it’s off putting in a competitive market. It’s expensive to get here. But I suppose they hope the increased levy will just get swallowed up in the airfare price, especially if flight prices drop.
Rich people won't care, and maybe those are the only tourists they really want to attract. Like Bhutan. But others will definitely call off their trip when they add that consideration to expensive airfare just to get there and not-co-cheap lodging prices too. The elimination of $160 visa fees in Chile and Argentina led to huge jumps in tourism. Plus many people have called New Zealand "British Colombia with longer flights" or "Patagonia but more expensive." Governments don't seem to realize that their tourist product is compared to other "brands" just as consumer goods are. Italy and Greece can get away with extra fees easier than New Zealand can, in my opinion. And the USA gets away with a high visa fee for many nationalities. But if you want to take your kid to Disney World or visit Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, there aren't easy alternatives.
I hadn't heard about NZ being called, "British Colombia with longer flights" or "Patagonia but more expensive." Interesting. But I agree - I think it's short-sighted not to see that NZ has to compete on the world stage. Connectivity here remains expensive compared to pre-pandemic fares, and people are definitely seeking value right now. Accommodation is expensive here, and my perspective is that service levels have fallen too. It's a wonderful country, but fast becoming a premium experience. Tourists traffic is still approx. 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Yes, high value tourists may help fill that gap, but NZ is still definitely missing Chinese tourists in terms of numbers - and I'm not sure they'll be returning any time soon. And trying to grow incoming tourism in these competitive times is very tricky indeed.