Tourism Industry Aotearoa and Hospitality New Zealand have welcomed the Government’s Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World strategy, announced by the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“As stated, this plan is not absolute and could change, but it is important we have a plan based on what we currently know. It is pleasing that one of the five objectives guiding the plan is developing new ways to safely travel to and from New Zealand,” TIA CEO Chris Roberts said.
“As expected, there will be a phased, risk-based reopening with the world. The trial, to begin in October, for vaccinated New Zealand workers to make short trips abroad and then self-isolate at home, is a positive move.
“While it provides no immediate tourism benefit, if it’s successful it will point the way to allowing travellers from low-risk countries to visit from 2022 without having to go into MIQ.
“TIA is keen to work with the Government on its development of a traveller health declaration system, which will involve pre-departure declarations and arrival checks for those wanting to come to New Zealand.”
Right now, vaccination remains the key, Mr Roberts says.
“The most important thing tourism businesses can do is encourage all their staff, family and friends to get vaccinated.”
Hospitality New Zealand CEO, Julie White agrees: “Maintaining the elimination strategy, reducing the need for lockdowns by accelerating the vaccine rollout, and working to relax restrictions at the border so we can welcome more people, are all key to the hospitality industry’s survival.
“There’s a fine balance between keeping people safe and opening the economy to ensure businesses are viable and operating, and the hospitality sector will continue to do its part.
“With the recent Sydney outbreak still not under control, border restrictions are one of the tools in keeping us safe, so caution is the most prudent approach.
“Including home-based quarantine as part of the border plan is a good move because it will allow more people through the border and ease some of the current congestion at MIQ facilities.
“Hospitality New Zealand also welcomes the government’s desire to reduce the chance of further lockdowns by strengthening the health response, including by accelerating the vaccine rollout.
“That and caution at the border will be crucial going forward. Going in and out of lockdowns hits hospitality extremely hard, so the sooner everyone is vaccinated, the better for us all.
“We need to get on with the show, take an industry-led approach to build forward and protect the sustainability of our industry.” said White.
For more information on the plan to reconnect New Zealanders with the world, go to: https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/reports/Independent-Advisory-Groups/Reconnecting-New-Zealanders-to-the-World/Reconnecting-New-Zealanders-to-the-World-Next-steps.pdf
