Bed Tax

Tania Tapsell on the destination’s recovery from the damage caused by the pandemic and the emergency housing crisis.

Bed taxes and visitor levies have been identified as potential revenue sources for local governments to support the funding of infrastructure needed to accommodate tourism.

But the mayor says implementing one won’t happen until business stabilises for accommodation providers.

Queenstown’s mayor says Auckland’s success in the High Court augurs well for the resort’s proposed bed tax.

Accommodation providers are disappointed the High Court has thrown out a judicial review of Auckland Council’s bed tax as the tourism sector is hit with headwinds from coronavirus.

Hotel owners “disappointed” and considering appealing the decision.

Queenstown Lakes District Council said its 5% bed tax proposal has “strong support from central government” despite the Productivity Commission report dropping support for the funding mechanism.

Hotel owners across the country are urging the government to invest in tourism infrastructure, following the announcement of its $7.5 billion dollar budget surplus this week.

The NZ Hotel Owner Association and the Tax Equity Group will fight on despite Govt support for the levy.

In a blow to the district’s accommodation providers, QLDC has started work on a bill introducing the 5% levy.

A bed tax on New Zealand’s holiday parks could encourage more people to freedom camp, says Holiday Parks New Zealand.

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Queenstown Lakes District Council has released the final results from its referendum on a visitor levy on short-term accommodation.

How did residents vote in the controversial poll on whether to implement a visitor levy?

If the result shows strong support, a change in legislation will be requested so the levy can be charged.

Residents are being asked whether they support or oppose the introduction of a visitor levy.

Operators could also be hit with the technology costs of implementing the 5% bed tax.

“We have listened to the concerns of the accommodation sector,” says QLDC mayor Jim Boult.

The accommodation providers say the levy will damage the resort’s international competitiveness.

Queenstown Lakes mayor Jim Boult replies to critics of the proposed bed tax and the resort’s planned referendum. 

If visitors spend more on accommodation, they could spend less on activities or hospitality, writes Chris Roberts.

Queenstown’s proposed tourist tax is on track to be a levy of 5%-10% targeting all short-term accommodation including Airbnb, according to the latest update from Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Queenstown’s mayor argues that visitors need to contribute more towards the resort’s infrastructure needs.

It’s time for an informed and unemotive debate, writes Dr Anthony Brien.