JUST IN: New Zealand Is Reopening Its Doors To The World After Covid-19

New Zealand expects a surge in tourism this winter as it reopens its borders to vaccinated travellers from many countries. The island nation, praised for its successful pandemic response, is ready to welcome visitors after more than two years of strict border controls.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced in March that Australians could visit without undergoing quarantine or self-isolation from April, and travellers from nations that have visa-free arrangements with New Zealand - including major markets in the Northern Hemisphere, Japan, Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan - could do the same from May 1.

The change significantly boosts New Zealand's struggling tourism industry, the country's biggest export earner before the pandemic, generating more than NZ$16 billion ($10.9 billion) annually, with 40 per cent of holidaymakers coming from Australia.

New Zealand welcomed 3.9 million international arrivals in 2019, but borders closed in March 2020 as Covid-19 swept the world¹. Since then, only a few exceptions were allowed, such as a short-lived travel bubble with Australia and some Pacific islands and a limited number of humanitarian and economic exemptions.

Ardern said New Zealand had the lowest death rate in the developed world, and its pandemic response would make it attractive to tourists in a competitive international market. "We are a safe place to visit, and New Zealand will be ready with open arms," she said.

According to Tourism New Zealand, the country expects to receive over 600,000 international visitors this winter, about 15 per cent of the pre-pandemic level. The agency said it worked with the industry and the government to ensure a safe and sustainable tourism recovery.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said reopening borders was a "significant milestone" for the sector and the country. "We know there is strong demand for New Zealand as a destination, and we are looking forward to welcoming back our international visitors," he said.

He added that Tourism New Zealand focused on promoting high-value and low-impact tourism that would benefit visitors and the local communities. "We want to encourage visitors to travel deeper, stay longer and spend more while here," he said.

Some of the popular attractions and activities that tourists can enjoy in New Zealand this winter include skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps, exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, experiencing the Maori culture and cuisine, hiking in the national parks, whale watching in Kaikoura, and visiting the Hobbiton movie set.

New Zealand's tourism industry is also preparing for the challenges and opportunities of reopening. Some issues that must be addressed include labour shortages, infrastructure gaps, environmental impacts, health and safety protocols, and changing consumer preferences.

The Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), the sector's peak body, said it was working with its members and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new normal. 

TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said the industry was excited to welcome back international visitors but also mindful of the risks and responsibilities involved.

"We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild our industry in a way that delivers better outcomes for our visitors, our communities, our businesses, and our environment," he said. "We are committed to leading the world in sustainable tourism."

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