Ahead of the incoming 2026 general election, regional tourism organisations have urged the government to commit to a nationwide accommodation levy.
Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ) is urging all political parties to commit to supporting accommodation levy legislation, and join the many economically prosperous nations where visitors contribute directly to the communities they enjoy.
In its formal policy position on the national levy, the regional tourism peak body, outlined how a national charge on short-term visitor accommodation could unlock sustainable, place-based funding for New Zealand’s regions, without adding to either tax or ratepayers’ bills.
Andrew Wilson, Chair of RTNZ, said the levy was both a proven and fair opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable visitor economy.
“Internationally, we know an accommodation levy works better, for visitors, communities, and for the businesses that depend on tourism. Done well, it creates a direct link between visitor spending and investment in the destinations we all love,” said Wilson.
“An accommodation levy gives us the tools to invest in the places visitors come to experience, the infrastructure, the events, the amenities that make New Zealand destinations world-class. This is about enabling communities to grow tourism well and giving the industry a sustainable foundation to build on.”
Tourism generates jobs, supports local businesses and funds community amenities across New Zealand, yet the infrastructure that underpins the visitor economy is increasingly funded by councils, of which financial pressures are higher than ever.
New Zealand has fallen behind comparable destinations in Australia, Canada, Europe and the US, all of which have established an accommodation levy. Taking forward national legislation is the only workable path: voluntary approaches produce a patchwork of inconsistent charges and undermine the hypothecation principle. The cost of further delay falls on ratepayers and the communities that host visitors.
RTNZ is also calling for a National Short-Term Accommodation Register to be progressed alongside levy legislation. The two measures are designed to work together, ensuring the levy applies fairly across all accommodation stock. RTNZ recommends the Inland Revenue Department as the most efficient collection vehicle, using its existing GST infrastructure.
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