New Zealand wants to impose a climate tax on tourists: will holidays soon become unaffordable?

New Zealand has set itself ambitious climate targets for tourism. Does the departure tax solve this problem or create a new one? About a big dispute in a small country

HOn a hot summer day in February 2023 in the town of Fox Glacier on New Zealand’s South Island. The only noise that can be heard is the sound of the lawnmower. Normally at this time of year, the city would be packed with mobile homes and the air would be filled with the noise of helicopters taking off towards the glacier. Instead, only a few visitors can be seen along the main street, and on the terrace of Ivory Towers Backpackers a lone backpacker is typing messages on his cell phone.

Is there a risk of overtourism again soon?

Three years after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, tourism in New Zealand is only slowly rebounding. “In 2019, we were flying 300 people to the glacier every day,” says the woman who works at Fox Glacier Guiding. “There are now on average about 70.” The owner of Fox Glacier Lodge also shares his concerns with guests at the reception: “It’s almost impossible to find staff right now. I’m lucky that a backpacker from the Czech Republic helped me make the beds and stock the breakfast buffet. There was a shortage of travelers who They hold a work and travel visa everywhere in New Zealand.