Visitor visa fee hikes could jeopardise tourism recovery, says industry

Tourism organisations have reacted badly to sharp increases in fees for tourist and working holiday visas, arguing that the hikes will damage the industry.Several have complained about the Government's lack of consultation. Stats New Zealand on Tuesday released figures showing a 27% increase in visitors in the year ending June 2024 compared to June 2023. However, the numbers are still below arrivals in the year before the pandemic.Under the new fee structure, the cost of a visitor visa will rise 61%, from $130 to $341. The cost of...