New Zealand welcomed tourists from Canada, the United States, Britain, Japan and more than 50 other countries for the first time in more than two years on Monday, after lifting most of the remaining restrictions on the pandemic border.
The country has long been known for its breathtaking landscapes and adventure tourism offers such as bungee jumping and skiing. Prior to the spread of COVID-19, more than three million tourists visited each year, representing 20 percent of New Zealand’s foreign revenue and more than five percent of the total economy.
But international tourism came to a complete halt in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed some of the world’s toughest border restrictions.
The border rules remained in place as the government first pursued an elimination strategy and then tried to strictly control the spread of the virus. The proliferation of Omicron and the vaccination of more than 80% of New Zealand’s five million people have led to a gradual easing of restrictions.
Reopened for Australia last month
New Zealand reopened to Australian tourists three weeks ago and on Monday to about 60 visa-free countries, including much of Europe. Most tourists from India, China and other countries are still not allowed to enter without refusal.
Tourists will need to be vaccinated and tested for the virus before and after arrival.
“Today is a day of celebration and a great moment in our reconnection with the world,” said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.
At Auckland Airport, flights attracting tourists began landing early in the morning, coming directly from places including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
New Zealand welcomed tourists from Canada, the United States, Britain, Japan and more than 50 other countries for the first time in more than two years. (Jed Bradley / New Zealand Herald)
The opening of the border will help boost tourism ahead of the upcoming ski season in New Zealand. But the real test of how much the tourism industry is recovering will come in December, when the peak summer season in the nation of the Southern Hemisphere begins.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said more than 90,000 people had booked flights to New Zealand in the seven weeks since the reopening was announced, and 21 international flights were scheduled to land in Auckland on Monday.
“Our tourism industry is acutely aware of the effects of the global pandemic and is working hard to prepare,” she said.
Ardern said there were no immediate plans to ease virus tests and vaccination requirements for tourists.
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