Australia and New Zealand Have These Tourism Taxes that Travellers Need to Take Note of in 2026

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Australia and New Zealand are making significant strides in the evolution of their tourism industries in 2026, with new travel taxes and visitor levies set to shape the experience of international travelers. These changes, driven by a focus on sustainability and tourism infrastructure, aim to balance the growing influx of visitors with the need to preserve natural landscapes and support local economies. With Australia introducing local levies and New Zealand continuing its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), travelers should prepare for these updates that will impact their travel costs in the coming year.

Australia’s Approach to Tourism Taxation

1. Short Stay Levy (SSL) in Victoria

In Australia, the most notable tourism-related tax that will continue into 2026 is the Short Stay Levy (SSL). This tax, currently implemented in Victoria, applies to short-term accommodation stays of less than 28 nights and is set at 7.5%of the booking cost. This levy was introduced in response to growing demand for tourism-related infrastructure in the state, specifically to help fund the maintenance and development of tourism facilities.

The SSL remains one of the more localized tourism taxes in Australia, applying only to visitors who stay in paid accommodations within Victoria. As this levy has been in place for several years, it will continue to apply in 2026. Travelers planning to visit Melbourne or other major cities in Victoria should be aware that this levy will be added to the total cost of their accommodation booking. (trippz.com)

2. Passenger Movement Charge (PMC)

The Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) is another existing tax that remains unchanged in 2026. This flat tax is charged to international travelers leaving Australia, currently set at A$70 per departing passenger aged over 12. The PMC helps fund border security and immigration services and is applied at all international airports across the country. Though this tax is not new, it is an important consideration for those traveling to Australia in 2026. (en.wikipedia.org)

While these two taxes represent the main forms of tourism-related fees in Australia, there are no new national tourism taxes being implemented for 2026. However, there are ongoing discussions at the state level, particularly in Queensland, about introducing a “bed tax” or visitor levy to generate funding for tourism infrastructure. These discussions are still in the early stages, and no official tax has been confirmed for 2026. (news.com.au)

New Zealand’s Tourism Taxes and Visitor Fees in 2026

1. International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)

In New Zealand, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) continues to be a central aspect of the country’s tourism tax system. Introduced in 2019, the IVL is a flat fee of NZ$100 that is charged to most international visitors applying for a visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). The fee helps fund conservation efforts, tourism infrastructure, and environmental sustainability programs, ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend to preserving the natural beauty of the country.

For visitors to New Zealand in 2026, the IVL will remain a significant part of the travel experience, contributing to efforts to protect the country’s natural attractions. It’s important for tourists to be aware of this fee, as it is typically added during the visa application process or when applying for an NZeTA. (immigration.govt.nz)

2. Site-Specific Visitor Fees

In addition to the IVL, New Zealand is expected to introduce site-specific visitor fees for entry to certain natural attractions by 2026. These fees will be charged for access to popular tourist spots like Milford Sound, Cathedral Cove, and Tongariro Crossing, where maintenance and environmental management costs are high. The fees will range between NZ$20 and NZ$40 per visitor, with the funds directed towards the upkeep of the sites and preservation of the surrounding ecosystems.

This approach is designed to help manage visitor impact on sensitive environments while ensuring that the country’s tourism economy remains sustainable. It also helps manage the growing pressure from increasing international visitors, particularly to New Zealand’s iconic natural destinations. (travelmole.com)

Green Travel and Eco‑Tourism Focus in Both Countries

Both Australia and New Zealand have committed to enhancing eco‑tourism in their respective regions, with both countries introducing green mobility infrastructure and eco-friendly travel solutions to attract environmentally conscious tourists. In 2026, this will include an expanded network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and green transport options to encourage sustainable travel and reduce the carbon footprint of tourism.

These green initiatives are part of a broader push to align tourism with sustainability goals, supporting both environmental and economic benefits. With electric buses, trains, and ferries in place for tourists, visitors to both Australia and New Zealand will have more eco-friendly travel options as part of their trip. (travelandtourworld.com)

Future Prospects and Additional Considerations

In 2026, both Australia and New Zealand will continue to monitor the effectiveness of their tourism taxes and explore new solutions to improve the sustainability of their tourism industries. The introduction of tourism tax models and the IVL in New Zealand provide a framework for balancing visitor demands with conservation efforts, while the Short Stay Levy in Victoria and potential future regional taxes in Australia will help fund tourism infrastructure projects.

As tourism continues to grow in both countries, travelers will increasingly be asked to contribute to the preservation of the sites they visit, whether through general visitor levies or site-specific fees. These charges are seen as necessary to ensure the long-term viability of both Australia’s and New Zealand’s tourism sectors, and will continue to play an important role in their sustainable tourism strategies.

Conclusion

The tourism tax landscape in Australia and New Zealand in 2026 reflects a growing trend toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. As visitor levies, site-specific fees, and green travel solutions become more widespread, travelers will need to be aware of these new charges and their role in maintaining the natural beauty and infrastructure of these countries. With the implementation of these technologies and taxes, both countries are taking proactive steps to ensure that their tourism industries continue to thrive while balancing the need for environmental stewardship.