New Zealand welcomed tourists from the US, Canada, Britain, Japan, and more than 50 other countries for the first time in more than two years Monday after dropping most of its remaining pandemic border restrictions.
The country has long been renowned for its breathtaking scenery and adventure tourism offerings such as bungy jumping and skiing. Before the spread of COVID-19, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20 percent of New Zealand’s foreign income and more than 5 percent of the overall economy.
But international tourism stopped altogether in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed some of the world’s toughest border restrictions.
The easing of restrictions came after the spread of Omicron as well as the vaccinations of more than 80% of the country's five million population. Tourists will need to be vaccinated and before arriving in New Zealand, tourists need to provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
New Zealand reopened to tourists from Australia three weeks ago and on Monday to about 60 visa-waiver countries, including much of Europe. But most tourists from India, China, and other non-waiver countries are still not allowed to enter.
The border reopening is expected to boost tourism ahead of New Zealand’s upcoming ski season.
The country has long been renowned for its breathtaking scenery and adventure tourism offerings such as bungy jumping and skiing. Before the spread of COVID-19, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20 percent of New Zealand’s foreign income and more than 5 percent of the overall economy.
But international tourism stopped altogether in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed some of the world’s toughest border restrictions.
The easing of restrictions came after the spread of Omicron as well as the vaccinations of more than 80% of the country's five million population. Tourists will need to be vaccinated and before arriving in New Zealand, tourists need to provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
New Zealand reopened to tourists from Australia three weeks ago and on Monday to about 60 visa-waiver countries, including much of Europe. But most tourists from India, China, and other non-waiver countries are still not allowed to enter.
The border reopening is expected to boost tourism ahead of New Zealand’s upcoming ski season.
