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The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the global tourism industry. The lack of a vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19 has made many people hesitant to travel far, and governments are concerned that receiving a large number of foreigners could pose potential disease risks.
However, for countries dependent on tourism like New Zealand and Australia, reviving the tourism industry is one of the priorities in the post-COVID-19 period. According to CNN, Australian and New Zealand officials have recently been discussing the possibility of reopening borders and creating designated corridors and destinations for travelers from both countries. "If there is any country in the world that we can reconnect with first, it is definitely New Zealand," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated last month.
Tourism experts predict that the "isolated tourism" model could be implemented by Australia and New Zealand in August – the ski season in New Zealand and the school holiday period. Currently, both countries still have restrictions on domestic travel and a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all incoming travelers.
There are several reasons why the "isolated tourism" model will be successful in Australia and New Zealand. First, the diplomatic relationship between Australia and New Zealand is very close and based on mutual trust. Australian passport holders can travel and work in New Zealand indefinitely without a visa, and vice versa.
Both countries also contribute significantly to each other's tourism industries. Australians account for nearly 40% of international visitors to New Zealand and approximately 24% of international visitor spending in New Zealand. In Australia, New Zealanders account for about 15% of international visitors and 6% of total foreign visitor spending.
Simon Westaway, CEO of the Australian Tourism Industry Council, commented that "isolated tourism" is the only way to bring international tourists back to Australia. However, he said many Australian travel companies have yet to adapt and are still looking for ways to attract more Chinese tourists – who, while accounting for only 15% of international visitors, represent 27% of total international spending.
This model of isolated travel will require some changes to quarantine and customs procedures. Mr. Westaway envisions travelers being tested for the coronavirus rapidly at the airport and only allowed to depart if the test is negative. Travelers may have to provide more information than before to facilitate monitoring when necessary.
"If we can find a way to continue developing tourism between the two countries, I'm sure the rest of the world will be very interested in learning about this new way of working," affirmed Chris Roberts, head of the New Zealand Tourism Association.
