New Zealand is a quaint little island off the coast of the Australian continent. The country is composed of two landmasses called the North and South Islands. In total, New Zealand covers a land area of over 270,000 square kilometres. The island country has been lauded for its early success in curbing the effects of the coronavirus disease. Currently, the country stands in 170th place with a total Covid-19 case of 2,328 compared to others of the same size and population.
As the virus sweeps throughout the world, the effects are undeniable, particularly in the tourism sector. Although hopes remain high, everything would eventually normalise, and as soon as herd immunity is achieved, hopefully, the restrictions will be eventually relieved.
If you seek New Zealand holiday packages, it would be worth the effort to research new getaway tour bundles that will allow you to save. Many touring agencies are offering discounts to lessen the effects of the pandemic.
Understand the Travel Restrictions
New Zealand still maintains one of the toughest travel restrictions, enforcing the guidelines since early last year. Arrivals to the country, including New Zealanders, must go through the mandatory quarantine period, which lasts for a maximum of 14 days. Also, testing is done before entry to the country and reentry to the destination community.
If you are eyeing New Zealand as your next travel destination, it is important to know that you must book an isolation facility for the quarantine process. The booking voucher is presented to the airlines before your boarding. Also, note that facilities’ availability is limited, and it is always essential to plan your travels.
On the other hand, a one-way travel bubble agreement between New Zealand and the Cook Islands government allows local Cook Islanders to travel without going through the quarantine protocol. However, New Zealanders are still required to undergo the 14-day quarantine stage when visiting the Cook Islands.
What You Can Expect Once Travel Restrictions are Withdrawn
International tourism is still closed in the country. But local tourists from mainland Australia and the nearby Cook Islands will enjoy the luxuries of New Zealand by the middle of 2021. The trans-Tasman bubble agreement is being finalised, allowing entrants from nearby countries to travel without undertaking the quarantine period.
Newly planned New Zealand holiday packages are expected to have lower rates to revive the tourism sector. People who are itching for a holiday in the warm and cosy country of the Kiwis can have their slots pre-booked to take advantage of the low package prices.
The only consideration one should when visiting the country would be the strict implementation of its standard health protocols. It means people coming in from nearby countries would have to undergo mandatory testing and ensure that healthy practices are followed, and quarantine procedures are completed.
Changes in New Zealand’s Tourism
According to reports released by Victoria University of Wellington, there are some possible scenarios for New Zealand’s tourism outlook. The industry is expected to rebound once everything normalises.
Another likely scenario is increased protectionism in tourism. Covid-19 has changed and has dramatically impacted tourism in New Zealand. Rethinking the sector and all possible approaches will help keep the industry working while at the same time keeping the locals safe.
One strategy travel tours and tourism agencies are doing right now is to promote the market’s viability to the locals and at least to the neighbouring islands. Tourism in New Zealand will eventually return to normal, and one way to revitalise its economy is to offer fair-priced packages for everyone’s enjoyment.
