As Queenstown experiences its biggest snowfall for several years, the ski tourism sector has been given a major boost with news that pre-departure testing will finish as of 11.59 PM on June 29.
The new date brings New Zealand in line with much of the rest of the world, giving travellers confidence to book a trip to the country.
Welcoming the decision, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said the removal of pre-departure testing will make it easier for prospective visitors to choose New Zealand when weighing up where to holiday.
“Throughout the pandemic, TIA has supported the health-based response that clearly has saved many lives,” she said.
“We’re excited that we can now move into the next phase of recovery and confidently welcome more international manuhiri (visitors) to our shores,” she said, adding the earlier date will be a boost for the ski industry with the news following Queenstown’s biggest snowfall in years over the weekend.
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.