Cairns Tourism Industry Discusses Visitor Levy to Fund Infrastructure
Cairns, Far North Queensland, is experiencing a lull in tourism during its quietest period. As the region prepares for an influx of visitors in the coming years, tourism operators and industry leaders are discussing the implementation of a visitor levy to fund the necessary infrastructure.
The proposed levy, which would be collected by hotels, motels, and short-stay accommodations through a small surcharge on bills, could generate up to $19 million for Cairns alone. This would alleviate the financial burden on local residents who currently fund the infrastructure used by tourists.
While some international destinations have successfully implemented visitor levies to manage overtourism, others have seen an increase in visitor numbers despite the levy. In Queensland, the concept has received mixed reactions, with some councils supporting it and others opposing it.
The introduction of the levy may depend on the outcome of consultations on the Queensland government's new 20-year tourism strategy, Destination 2045. Several international destinations have already implemented visitor levies to cope with overtourism, with some, such as Venice, still experiencing an increase in visitor numbers.
Cairns MP and opposition tourism spokesman Michael Healy supports the measure, but only if the revenue is directed back to the regional council instead of the state government.
8 Comments
Answer
More bureaucracy? Implementing and collecting this levy would only create unnecessary administrative burdens for businesses.
The Truth
Where's the guarantee? This levy could easily get mismanaged by the government. Let's invest in tourism without burdening visitors.
Answer
Transparency concerns. Where will the levy funds actually go? We need clear accountability and project breakdowns before any implementation.
The Truth
Sharing the responsibility. Tourists enjoy our beautiful region and its infrastructure, they should contribute to its upkeep fairly.
Eugene Alta
Taking initiative! Cairns can be a leader in Australia by implementing a well-designed visitor levy, paving the way for a more sustainable tourism industry.
Habibi
Long-term benefits. The levy will ensure Cairns can handle increasing visitor numbers sustainably, protecting our environment and quality of life.
Donatello
Positive impact on tourism. Improved infrastructure will lead to a more enjoyable experience for visitors, drawing even more tourists to Cairns.
Raphael
Success stories! Many international destinations have successfully implemented visitor levies, mitigating overtourism and improving infrastructure.