The tourism industry is calling on the Government to come up with a plan to reopen New Zealand’s borders and issue a $200 domestic Travel Card to every Kiwi.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa says these proposals are among five immediate actions they’re requesting from the new Government to help revive and revitalise New Zealand’s tourism industry.

TIA Communications Manager AnnMarie Johnson says early action from the incoming Government will ensure tourism recovers its place among the biggest contributors to New Zealand’s economy.

In its 100-day plan for Government, TIA has proposed achievable outcomes that will provide a roadmap to recovery, support tourism businesses and stimulate demand.

“Tourism was the first industry to be hit by the pandemic and will be the last to recover. We are grateful for Government support to date and look forward to working with the new Government to grow a sustainable tourism industry that benefits New Zealanders,” Ms Johnson says.

At the top of TIA’s list is a call to work towards reconnecting with the rest of the world. “Our borders can only be opened when it is safe to do so, but we must plan for that time. We should initiate discussions with multiple countries and reach agreement on the conditions for opening the borders,” she says.

“In the meantime, a $200 Travel Card would help stimulate domestic tourism outside weekends and school holidays. A card could be issued to every New Zealander and linked with special deals from participating tourism and hospitality businesses across the country – to be used weekdays only, from 1 March 2021. “New Zealanders prefer to travel at weekends and during school holidays, leaving lower demand on weekdays.”

This makes it difficult for tourism operators to provide fulltime employment so a Travel Card would support jobs around the country.” TIA is also calling on the Government to support viable tourism businesses by giving them access to a new Bridging Finance facility.

“Thousands of small operators are the backbone of the New Zealand tourism industry. Through no fault of their own, they cannot access their overseas customers, and not all can fill that void by hosting domestic visitors.

Targeted support will ensure these businesses still exist when international travellers return,” Ms Johnson says. TIA wants the Government to establish a Tourism Innovation Fund to support ideas that will improve productivity and keep New Zealand at the forefront of innovation as we build a new tourism industry.