Relieving pressure on facilities in tourism hotspots

The Government is investing $3.8 million to improve public toilet facilities in two of New Zealand’s busiest visitor destinations, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

The funding, provided through the International Visitor Levy (IVL), will support upgrades and new facilities in the Mackenzie and Queenstown Lakes districts.

“Both districts welcome large numbers of visitors each year, placing significant pressure on infrastructure normally funded by ratepayers,” Ms Upston says.

“Local communities shouldn’t be left to carry the full cost of facilities used by visitors from across New Zealand and around the world. This investment will support a user-pays approach, so visitors contribute towards the facilities they use while helping councils provide cleaner, more reliable public amenities.”

“Tourism supports jobs and local businesses across the country. By investing the IVL back into busy visitor destinations, we are ensuring tourism continues to deliver for communities and ratepayers,” Louise Upston says. ...