New Zealand nearly triples levy on international tourists

That's pretty high for an entry charge.

But honestly, if I'm already spending US$1000 for airfare to get there, it isn't going to make a big difference.

We already don't buy expensive coffee when traveling, so just a few more convenience shops won't get the travel money. The budget won't change, just how it is spent.

So, it's not just Japan. New Zealand and Vienna both have tourism problems that will be mitigated somewhat there upping the fees. Japan? Judging by comments about it, is horrible and bad about tourists. Take a look at New Zealand and then Japan. Notice any difference?

By the time you've spent thousands on airfares, transport and accomodation, NZD$100 is just pocket change, and wont make a difference to tourist numbers.

Good on them, but it would be melodrama off the charts if Japan attempted this.

There are both costs and benefits to tourism. Even if the economic benefits of tourism outweigh the costs in total, that does not mean the benefits and costs accrue to the same people. The average Japanese person should not have to pay extra taxes for extra immigration staff just so a hotel chain like Hoshino Resort coin it in or a temple in Kyoto, who don't pay any tax, get more people through the gate paying 600 yen each.

 Take a look at New Zealand and then Japan. Notice any difference?

Distance, population size, perceived exotic culture of Japan, Japanese soft-power drawcard (animation, co-play, kawaii culture, etc) Oh and food, price difference (cheap vs expensive).... etc.

By the way, Japan has upped tourism fees several times, and I expect it to keep on going up. But people will keep on coming. Until the boom busts.

The US ESTA fee is $21 USD (3,055 yen) for the 90 day stay.

Another reason not to visit. But the biggest reason is still the dullness.

They have a GST tax there too that tourists have to pay I believe, so it’s a double tax.

I would guess some Japan resident kiwis have Japanese family members that will have to pay the tax too if they all go there for a family visit or some non-tourist activity.

It’s a good example of the slippery slope that introduction of new taxes is.

Tax tax everywhere ! Tax us more they say like we don't pay enough already.

Money grabbers !

Another reason not to visit. But the biggest reason is still the dullness.

One of the aims of the increase is to weed out low value tourism.

One of the aims of the increase is to weed out low value tourism.

look! There is some grass... and over there some more...

Dad " When will it stop raining?"

look! There is some grass... and over there some more...

As I said, they're not interested in low value tourism.

Dad " When will it stop raining?"

Says the Pom. LOL.

Any country that wants to encourage tourism will not have a punitive tax on tourists. Sounds like the Kiwis are trying to say, "Please, don't come here!"

Says the Pom. LOL.

Fair comment!

But the biggest reason is still the dullness.

There are many reasons people choose to travel and reasons are different for every different location.

If I want all night dancing, I don't go to NZ.

I go to NZ to get a little culture, but mostly to get into nature in the southern parts - there are some famous hikes there with breathtaking scenery. If that isn't your thing, great. Don't go there. OTOH, for people like me, https://www.alltrails.com/new-zealand shows some fantastic hiking! Enough for a mutli-week trip. I see NZ sorta like Patagonia or Alaska. You don't go to those places for night-life either.