Two thirds of Australians Back Tourism Taxes as Travel’s Environmental Impact Intensifies

Just weeks after Bali introduced a new tourism tax[1], a new survey from award-winning travel insurance provider InsureandGo, reveals that almost two-thirds (63%) of Aussies support countries introducing the tax to combat the rising environmental toll visitors take[2].

The survey, which follows a growing number of nations implementing taxes to fund cultural and environmental protection, also reveals that 60% of respondents want Australia to introduce its own tourism tax, with 63% of NSW residents particularly supporting the levy.

The findings were taken from a survey of an independent panel of 1006 Australians commissioned by InsureandGo, which sought to gauge how residents feel about rising tourism taxes – particularly amid increased sustainability concerns[3]. The research also found that younger Australians, aged between 18 and 30, are the most eco-conscious travellers, with a whopping 73% saying yes to tourism taxes.

Bali implemented the tax recently in February[4], with all arrivals now required to pay 15 AUD (150,000 IDR) before arrival. The popular Indonesian beach destination joins a growing cohort of countries imposing the tax, including Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The European city has the highest tourism tax across the continent – with the former 7% hotel tourist levy rising to 12.5% this year[5]. That equates to an additional $36 a night on the average room rate of $289. Closer to home, New Zealand charges international visitors a 32.64 AUD levy (35 NZD) to address current challenges created by tourism in its conservation areas. Tourism taxes are usually indirectly paid through accommodation providers, holiday companies or visas.

InsureandGo found that more than half (52%) of Aussies were happy to pay the tourist taxes at the current rates, however a smaller 11% of all respondents said they would gladly pay higher levies.

Aussies from visitor hot spots most in favour of tourist tax at home and abroad

While 6 out of 10 respondents say yes to an Australian tourism levy, residents from NSW and South Australia were among the highest at 63% and 61% respectively.

Respondents from NSW were the most in favour of paying a tourist tax abroad, with a whopping 66% supporting overseas levies at the current or an even higher rate.

In other states, Queenslanders and South Australians are tied for second place, with 62% in favour of the taxes. Following closely behind are Western Australians, with 61% and Victorians, with 60% in favour.

For a tax at home, 63% of NSW residents say yes, compared with 59% of Victorians, 57% of Queenslanders, 61% of South Australians and 56% of West Australians.

ENDS

About InsureandGo

Insure&Go (InsureandGo.com.au) is one of Australia’s award-winning online travel insurance specialists. Since it was established in Australia in 2012, Insure&Go has covered more than 2 million Australian travellers. Owned by Europ Assistance, which operates in more than 200 countries, Insure&Go has an expansive, 24/7 global assistance network. Insure&Go Australia has won numerous awards and recommendations for its services including the 2023 Canstar Award for Outstanding Value for International Travel Insurance and Outstanding Value for Seniors Travel Insurance, 2023 Finder Award for Travel Insurance – Domestic, 2023 WeMoney Award for Best for Value Cruise Travel Insurance, 2023 WeMoney Award for Best for Seniors, 2022 Canstar Award for Outstanding Value for Seniors, and 2020 Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award. More information about Insure&Go’s awards can be found on its website: https://www.insureandgo.com.au/travel-insurance-awards/

Europe Assistance Australia Pty Ltd trading as Insure&Go as an authorised representative AR Number 424825 of the underwriter and insurer Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Ltd, ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Any advice is general advice only and does not take account of your particular circumstances. Before purchasing, decide whether this product is right for you. Consider the PDS and TMD at insureandgo.com.au.

[1] https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/indonesia

[2] https://www.science.org/content/article/tourism-four-times-worse-planet-previously-believed

[3] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/04/survey-of-travelers-finds-76-want-more-sustainable-options/

[4] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/new-tourist-taxes-fees

[5] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/amsterdam-raising-tourist-tax

[6] https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/01/05/tourist-taxes-all-of-the-countries-you-will-have-to-pay-to-enter-in-2022

[7] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/tourism-and-transport/overseas-arrivals-and-departures-australia/dec-2023

[8] https://tourism.sa.gov.au/insights/south-australian-visitor-economy#:~:text=International%20visits%20and%20expenditure%20in,per%20cent%20to%2012.0%20million.