Loss of Tourism Tax An About Face

Members of the National Government can expect a few phone calls from Coromandel Peninsula’s tourism marketing representatives over the decision which could see the end to a potential bed tax.

Destination Hauraki Coromandel General Manager, Kylie Hawker-Green, described the decision as a real about face and a lost opportunity caused by the National Party’s decision not to apply any news taxes if it retains the Government.

Kylie said the bed tax would have helped destinations such as the Peninsula in meeting growing visitor related infrastructure costs.

She said her organisation had consistently supported exploring visitor-pays funding tools because of the increasing costs destinations face in providing infrastructure, amenities and destination management.

Thames Coromandel Mayor, Peter Revell, asked the question of how Government intends funding the infrastructure required to ensure a booming industry, rather than it being a cost to ratepayers.

“What will Government put in its place to support tourism,” asked Mayor Revell.

“Our district is highly dependent on tourism, and we have to have the right infrastructure – putting that in place is a cost to the ratepayer.”

The district hosts eight million visitors each year.

Open the link below to hear Rob Holding’s interview with Kylie.