New Zealand’s tourism ministry vows crackdown on ‘freedom campers’

New Zealand’s tourism ministry vows crackdown on ‘freedom campers’

Before the pandemic, tourism was one of New Zealand's biggest money-spinners. File photo/AFP

Gulf Today Report

New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash promised on Wednesday to take action against backpackers relieving themselves at natural beauty spots as part of post-coronavirus tourism plans.

He said he will ban hiring vans that are not self-contained to tourists as he urges a focus on attracting high-spending visitors.

Kiwis have long complained about so-called "freedom campers“ who travel the country in campervans that do not have toilet facilities and leave human waste by the side of the road.

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The incoming minister told a tourism summit on Tuesday that the industry should sell itself as a destination for the wealthy when borders reopen.

Nash said, "Gone are the days as far as I'm concerned where you hire a cheap van that is not self-contained."

Before the pandemic, tourism was one of New Zealand's biggest money-spinners.

"What we're looking at the moment is a unique opportunity for a re-set.

Tourism Minister said the practice did not fit New Zealand's "100 per cent pure“ image and that international visitors could expect changes when borders eventually reopen.

 "They need to buy into our sustainability brand and what we