The New Zealand tourism industry is gearing up to face a new threat coming in the form of cash-strapped Governments taking the trouble-free way out by taxing international air travelers.

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand and the Inbound Tour Operators Council are concerned that other Governments will also follow the moves that have been taken by Germany and Britain, that is, to increase taxes on travelers.

The German Government in recent times made announcement of its plans regarding imposing a departure tax on all travelers that are leaving German airports.

This follows increases to the British Air Passenger Duty that is charged by the passengers seeing a departure from the United Kingdom airports.

The new British Government has promised to replace the air passenger tax but it will impose a per-plane tax, in its place.

TIA Chief Executive, Tim Cossar said that of real worry is the probability that other Governments throughout the world, particularly in the major Asia market place, might go by the similar trend that is increasing the cost of travelling to New Zealand for their populace.

ITOC Chief Executive, Paul Yeo said that the taxes were a hasty response to the European economic troubles, which are being faced at the moment.