An estimated 200 Tourism Industry Association (TIA) member
businesses around the country can expect to see a marked
reduction in their 2013-14 ACC levies, from $3.48 to $0.84
per $100 of payroll, following a review of their risk levels
requested by the association.
The businesses are classified by ACC as ''amusement and other
recreation activities''.
Alpine and whitewater recreation operators, who are also in
this category at present, are also in line for a levy
reduction, from $3.48 to $2.56 per $100 of payroll. ACC will
classify those operators under a new, separate category from
April 1.
The reductions come after the association worked with ACC to
review how levies were set for operators in the adventure
tourism and outdoor activity sector.
The actual risks involved were analysed and several hundred
historical claims made by businesses covered by the
''amusement and other recreation activities'' classification
examined.
Association chief executive Martin Snedden said in a
statement the adjustments would make ''a huge difference to
the profitability of many of our member businesses.
''It also fairly reflects the nature and level of risk of
these businesses.''
Shotover Canyon Swing general manager Matt Hollyer, of
Queenstown, said the levy cuts would save his business more
than $10,000 a year in ACC levies.
''We really appreciate the efforts TIA made for us on this
matter,'' he said.
''This is a massive reduction in costs and shows the benefits
of having a strong member organisation to tackle these issues
on our behalf.''
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