Working holidaymakers welcomed back to New Zealand

Tourism operators are looking forward to welcoming working holidaymakers as they return to New Zealand from today.

Working Holiday Visa holders and some skilled workers can now enter New Zealand with no self-isolation requirements.

Advising that this is a big step on the road to recovery for the tourism industry, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Communications Manager, Ann-Marie Johnson commented “working holidaymakers will help fill skill shortages being felt across many sectors, including the primary industries and hospitality. They will also be keenly sought after by many tourism operators who are trying to fill vacancies as they look to address workforce shortages across the industry.”

Johnson also expects working holidaymakers to provide a welcome boost to the tourism industry as they explore the country and what is has to offer, noting “we are marking the second anniversary of the closure of New Zealand’s borders this week.

“That is 730 days of pain for small and large tourism businesses.

“Tourism was the first industry to be affected by the pandemic and will be the last to recover. We are heartened that the Government has signalled that our borders are likely to open to international visitors sooner than planned and we are keen to see the new timeline which is expected imminently.

“It would be wonderful if New Zealand could reopen to Australian visitors in time for their April school holiday period which includes Easter. If forecasts are correct, New Zealand’s Omicron outbreak will have passed its peak by then.”

Many parts of the tourism industry operate to long lead times. Airlines and the cruise sector in particular are finalising their schedules and selling itineraries for next summer. Tourism operators also need some time to prepare their businesses for the return of international visitors.

Johnson added that the current asymmetric border settings mean New Zealanders have the option of going to Australia without the ability for Australians to come here, fearing that the industry’s recovery will not begin until high value business travellers and holidaymakers can enter the country.