The passenger movement tax increase is one of the highest concerns amongst tourism operators across Australia, according to new research that found 60 percent of respondents believe the rise will impact negatively on visitation from New Zealand.

Increasing from $47 to $55 on 1 July this year, the tax rise has tour operators concerned on its impact on one of Australia’s closest and largest international arrivals as well as interest from growing destinations including China and Japan, the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF)-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment survey revealed.

Another factor playing on industry minds, according to the research, is the “sharp jump” in access to bank financial during this quarter, a jump TTF chief executive John Lee said was a concern as “impacts operators' ability to invest in new and refreshed product”.

"Concerns about inadequate room supply are also on the rise, along with the shortage of unskilled labour,” Mr Lee said.

"In addition, the proportion of respondents who indicated they could employ more staff fell 14 points to 52, with other key indicators including forward bookings and sales also declining.

"All these elements combine to reduce the competitiveness of Australia as a tourism destination, which is of particular concern to leisure-dependent regional destinations which are trying to compete with low-cost Asia-Pacific rivals.”

Despite concerns, TTF’s head said operators are still hopefully conditions will improve this quarter, particularly in the domestic tourism sector.