In promising news for international visitation, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a two-way, quarantine-free travel bubble with Australia, to commence in the first quarter of 2021.

While a firm date has not been confirmed, the announcement reinforces the New Zealand Government’s confidence in Australia’s management of COVID-19, setting the standard for the gradual resumption in international travel and inspiring hope around the world.

The news has been welcomed by tourism bodies, providers and small businesses, who are excited to see a reciprocal boost for the state once international travel resumes with New Zealand. In the year ending December 2019, New Zealand was NSW’s third largest market with 444,700 visitor arrivals and sixth largest for visitor spend and nights.

Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said the travel arrangement was an important milestone, noting the significant impact the announcement will have on the Australian accommodation sector.

“We know that Australia’s hotels desperately need international borders to open up before we can see a sustained recovery from what has been the most challenging year in living memory,” Mr Johnson said.

“Domestic tourism has assisted hotels greatly in recent months, however as we head into 2021, we do need to see travellers from overseas to safeguard Australian jobs in the accommodation sector.

“Australia has traditionally been a key destination for New Zealand holiday makers and we look forward to these travellers returning.

“Similarly, the trans-Tasman travel bubble will allow business visitation from New Zealand which provides an important revenue source for many Australian hotels.

“We hope this arrangement is but one of many that we see emerge in the New Year, as other countries successfully contain COVID-19 and vaccines are distributed,” Mr Johnson said.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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