Calls for clarity on game-changing Omicron

New Zealand’s ability to reconnect with the rest of the world, and in the process, help the country’s tourism recover, cannot take place until the government updates its plans and allows international arrivals to enter without isolation or quarantine requirements.

In a statement, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) spokesperson, Ann-Marie Johnson said the government’s previous plans were developed to respond to Delta, not Omicron and if Omicron becomes endemic in New Zealand, there will be no health reason to keep our borders closed or to continue self-isolation or MIQ for international arrivals.

Her comments follow Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s announcement last week that Cabinet would be considering changes to the current border settings in coming weeks, after the phased reopening announced in November was put on hold when Omicron emerged.

“New Zealand needs to reconnect with the world. People are desperate to reunite with family and friends. Travel also supports critical supply chains, brings vibrancy to communities, and supports other sectors including events, food production, transport and services,” Ms Johnson said.

“Quarantine-free travel is key to attracting international manuhiri back to New Zealand. The tourism industry’s recovery cannot begin until New Zealand’s borders reopen to international arrivals without isolation or quarantine requirements.

“International airlines are currently finalising their schedules for our 2022-23 summer. They need an indication of the plan to reopen our borders by mid-February or there is a strong risk New Zealand will lose quality international air connections, delaying the recovery further.”

Ms Johnson referred to advice from the World Health Organisation that international travel bans should be lifted or eased as they have not prevented the spread of Omicron and are contributing to social and economic stress.

“International trends show that the peak of the Omicron outbreak should pass within two or three months, so the Government should be planning now to reopen the borders at that time,” she said.

“We know that both New Zealanders and tourism operators will face tough times in the next few months so the time for planning for the recovery is now. We need a clear Omicron border opening plan.

We believe that enough is known about how the pandemic will play out to justify serious work to develop the plan. On behalf of the industry, TIA is keen to work with the Government to support this.

“Easing and then eliminating New Zealand’s border restrictions must be based on a careful risk assessment but if Omicron becomes established in the community, it is highly unlikely that shutting our borders will be the main control measure in future.

“We can manage who comes across the border more easily than we can manage the behaviour and decisions of our own population, and therefore international arrivals should pose a small and manageable risk.

“We know it will be a step-by-step process but the best way to get moving on the road ahead is to have a plan in place for reopening Aotearoa New Zealand’s borders as soon as the controls are no longer serving the key purpose of protecting New Zealanders.”

Mike Parker-Brown

Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.

Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.

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