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Tourism Levy Shifts to Local Control | Auckland News
Tourism funding just got a major twist: the government’s new International Visitor Levy plan shifts money directly to local councils, conservation, and tourism projects—no more bed tax. With $100 million annually earmarked, councils like Rotorua (projected $20M over four years) can now invest in marketing or infrastructure without raising local taxes. Mayors are thrilled, calling it a relief for ratepayers, though some note it’s less than a bed tax would’ve delivered. Tourists still pay the $100 levy—and keep coming—suggesting it’s not deterring visits. But critics warn: this is just…
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