A spokeswoman for Prime Minister John Key said the Government was waiting for a private sector review of the issue to be completed first. However, it was ``likely'' to reach a decision before next year's general election.
The Otago Daily Times sought comment from Mr Key after Queenstown Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ann Lockhart said last Thursday she was ``not holding my breath'' on the Government's making up its mind before the election.
Speaking at the chamber's annual meeting last Thursday, Ms Lockhart said a consultancy company had completed the draft of a business case for a Queenstown visitor levy. However, it would not be presented to the Government until two pieces of independent research were available.
Major tourism companies including Air New Zealand
and Auckland Airport have
commissioned consultancy firm McKinsey & Company to carry out international research into funding models for tourism infrastructure.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa is also leading the development of a ``national infrastructure assessment for tourism'' that is intended to complement the private sector research.
Ms Lockhart said targeted or general rates were ``not necessarily the fairest and most efficient way'' to fund infrastructure projects in Queenstown.
It was second only to Auckland as a tourist centre, with about 3.5 million guest nights in the year to October.
``That is a huge number for a ratepayer base of 20,000 people.''
The pressure on ratepayers was ``out of all proportion with anywhere else in New Zealand'' and would only worsen if growth in visitor numbers continued at its present rate.
The resort needed to improve its facilities and services to cater for that growth, she said.
``It's absolutely critical we maintain our reputation in a highly competitive global market.''
