Is the Collection of the Tourism Levy Compulsory or Voluntary?

By Alice Nichols

If you are a traveler or a tourist, you must have come across the term “Tourism Levy” at some point in your travels. The Tourism Levy is a fee that is charged to travelers or tourists by countries and cities to help fund tourism development and other related activities.

What is Tourism Levy

The Tourism Levy is a tax that is imposed on visitors to a country or city. It is usually charged as a percentage of the cost of accommodation and other tourism-related services such as tours, car rentals, and attraction tickets.

The funds collected from the levy are then used to promote tourism development, marketing, and other activities related to enhancing the visitor experience. This includes improving infrastructure, enhancing the safety and security of tourists, preserving cultural heritage sites, and supporting local communities.

Is it Compulsory

The answer to this question depends on the country or city you are visiting. In some countries, the collection of Tourism Levy is compulsory. This means that every traveler or tourist visiting that country is required by law to pay the levy.

On the other hand, in some countries, collection of Tourism Levy is voluntary. This means that travelers or tourists are not required by law to pay but are encouraged to do so for the betterment of tourism development in that country.

Examples

  • In South Africa, it is compulsory for all foreign visitors to pay a Tourism Levy upon arrival at any port of entry into the country. The fee is currently set at R100 (approximately $6 USD) per person per stay.
  • In New Zealand, collection of Tourism Levy is voluntary.

    Visitors can choose whether or not they want to pay an additional $35 NZD (approximately $23 USD) to contribute to the country’s tourism development fund.

  • In Thailand, collection of Tourism Levy is voluntary. However, travelers are encouraged to donate towards the “Tourism Fund” at the airport upon arrival or departure.

Conclusion

The collection of Tourism Levy varies from country to country. It is important for travelers and tourists to research and understand the requirements of their destination before embarking on their journey. Whether compulsory or voluntary, paying the levy can contribute towards the development of tourism infrastructure and improve the overall visitor experience.

So, next time you plan your trip abroad, make sure you research if there is a Tourism Levy in place and whether it is compulsory or voluntary. Let’s all do our part in supporting sustainable tourism development!