WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – New Zealand welcomed tourists from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Japan and more than 50 countries on Monday, more than two years after lifting remaining pandemic border restrictions.
The country has long been known for beautiful scenery and adventure tourism offerings such as bungee jumping and skiing. Prior to the release of COVID-19, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20% of New Zealand’s foreign revenue and more than 5% of the total economy.
But international tourism came to a complete halt in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed the toughest restrictions on the world’s borders.
Border rules remained in place as the government first implemented an eradication strategy and then sought to strictly control the spread of the virus. The distribution and vaccination of more than 80% of New Zealand’s 5 million population has led to the gradual easing of restrictions.
New Zealand reopened to tourists from Australia three weeks ago and on Monday there were about 60 visa-free travel to the country, including most to Europe. Most tourists from India, China and other countries who do not accept the denial have not yet been admitted.
Pandemic boundary restrictions.
The country has long been known for beautiful scenery and adventure tourism offerings such as bungee jumping and skiing. Prior to the release of COVID-19, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20% of New Zealand’s foreign revenue and more than 5% of the total economy.
But international tourism came to a complete halt in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed the toughest restrictions on the world’s borders.
Border rules remained in place as the government first implemented an eradication strategy and then tried to strictly control the spread of the virus. The distribution and vaccination of more than 80% of New Zealand’s population of 5 million has led to the gradual easing of restrictions.
New Zealand reopened to tourists from Australia three weeks ago and on Monday there were about 60 visa-free travel to the country, including most to Europe. Most tourists from India, China and other countries who do not accept the denial have not yet been admitted.
Pandemic boundary restrictions.
The country has long been known for beautiful scenery and adventure tourism offerings such as bungee jumping and skiing. Prior to the release of COVID-19, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20% of New Zealand’s foreign revenue and more than 5% of the total economy.
But international tourism came to a complete halt in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed the toughest restrictions on the world’s borders.
Border rules remained in place as the government first implemented an eradication strategy and then tried to strictly control the spread of the virus. The distribution and vaccination of more than 80% of New Zealand’s population of 5 million has led to the gradual easing of restrictions.
New Zealand reopened to tourists from Australia three weeks ago and on Monday there were about 60 visa-free travel to the country, including most to Europe. Most tourists from India, China and other countries who do not accept the denial have not yet been admitted.
Tourists need to be vaccinated and tested for the virus before and after arrival.
“Today is an extraordinary day and a great time to reconnect with the world,” said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.
Flights carrying tourists to Auckland Airport began flying early in the morning, from direct destinations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Opening the border will help boost tourism ahead of New Zealand’s upcoming ski season. But the real test of the tourism industry’s rise will come in December, when the peak summer season in the Southern Hemisphere begins.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said more than 90,000 people had booked flights to New Zealand in the seven weeks following the reopening announcement and 21 international flights were scheduled for Monday to Auckland.
“Our tourism industry has suffered from the effects of the global pandemic and is trying to prepare,” he said.
Ardern said there are no immediate plans to ease virus testing and vaccination requirements for tourists.
Source: Huffpost
