New Zealand reopens for tourists from 60 countries

A hope for global tourism recovery is seen as New Zealand starts to reopen its borders.

New Zealand is now welcoming thousands of travelers from all over the world as it opened its borders to 60 countries including the United States, Singapore, and Britain for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.

To welcome travelers, Maori cultural performers sang songs at the arrivals gate in Auckland. There were locally made chocolate bars given to guests as the first flights came in from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

For some who were reunited with their beloved family and friends after two years, it was very momentous.

It can be recalled that New Zealand had the strictest restrictions in the world during the pandemic. The country only recently started to ease the Covid measures with the hope to restore and boost its tourism industry, and ease labor shortages now that the Omicron variant is widespread domestically.

Last February and March, only New Zealanders and Australians were allowed to enter the country’s borders. Now, travelers from around 60 visa-waiver countries can enter, provided that they are vaccinated and they tested negative for Covid. There are no isolation requirements.

Nevertheless, restrictions are still intact for tourists from a number of countries including India and China, and they are still barred from entering the country until October.

Source: https://skift.com/2022/05/02/new-zealand-reopens-to-tourism-from-60-countries/

Author: Deb Davad