New Zealand brings forward reopening
Reviews
Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
A versatile powerhouse
Arena @ Expo, a multipurpose concert hall at the Singapore Expo is a flexible space for high octane concerts and lifestyle events.
Amari Bangkok
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
Confidence from a high vaccinated and boosted population has spurred the New Zealand government to lift border restrictions earlier than expected, with visitors from visa-waiver countries welcomed into the country from May 1.
Fully vaccinated Australians will be allowed to enter sooner, from April 12, without needing to isolate upon arrival.
All travellers must provide negative pre-departure tests and undertake two antigen rapid tests within the first week of arrival.
Earlier in February, the government’s decision was to progressively reopen to Australians by July and to all other tourists by October.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said at a press conference today that the country is “ready to welcome the world back”.
Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins and immigration minister Kris Faafoi stated in a press release that the latest reopening decision was about “gearing up in manageable steps to fully reopen as safely as possible to enable us to live with Covid but not be overwhelmed by it”.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has welcomed this announcement.
“This is the message our international customers needed to hear. We anticipate between 50 to 60 business events with international attendees will now be able to proceed with confidence this year, bringing vital export revenue and cash flow back to the sector,” BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins said.
While this is the most positive step to date in New Zealand’s plan to reconnect with the world, Hopkins warns there is still work to be done.
A couple of critical issues still need to be addressed, Hopkins stated. This includes the need for the government to indicate when the Covid Protection Framework will be shifted from red to green, and the process for attendees and visitors to enter New Zealand to be more refined.
She also called for the elimination of Vaccine Passes, stating that they will become redundant.
“The desire to return to face-to-face events is clear, and already we are hearing conversations with future international business customers have begun. The business events sector can now begin its recovery as we start the journey to rebuild, re-hire and re-energise our industry.”