Tourism Levy to Relieve Ratepayer Costs

A call by Thames Coromandel Mayor Peter Revell questioning how the proposed new tourism funding allocations will be made, has been heard by local Member of Parliament Scott Simpson.

A promise to inject millions of dollars into local tourism infrastructure should the Government be re-elected, was great to see for Mayor Revell.

Earlier this week councils were advised of potential funding to cover the costs of tourism facilities which have primarily been funded by ratepayers.

Mayor Revell did have some reservations believing areas such as the Coromandel Peninsula could be disadvantaged due to the true international tourism numbers not being reflected this because the tourists did not stay in larger properties.

He said there was an irony as the district’s laid-back lifestyle may work against the funding model as people did not stay in glitzy hotels.

Scott told CFM that the National party’s proposal to increase funding for tourism infrastructure, and therefore removing the burden from ratepayers, was an evolving policy, describing the initiative as pretty good news for the wider district.

This because the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki attracted a lot of international visitors. This replacement of the bed tax concept allowed the funding being available from July next year – because the international levy was already in place.

Open the link below to hear our interview with Scott.