India, June 24 -- New Zealand could soon introduce a new tourist accommodation levy that may affect Australian travellers for the first time. A tourism industry proposal released this week suggests that all visitors staying in shortterm accommodation such as hotels, motels and Airbnb properties should pay an additional tourism tax. While Australians are currently exempt from New Zealand's International Visitor Levy, the proposed changes would include Australian tourists as well. Here's what has been proposed, why tourism leaders support it and when the new levy could potentially come into effect.

Why Is New Zealand Considering A New Tourist Tax?

Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ), which represents 31 regional tourism organisations acro...