Universal cash card proposed to stimulate New Zealand tourism

Source: Xinhua| 2020-11-18 11:45:38|Editor: huaxia

WELLINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Cash injected travel card for every New Zealander was proposed by the country's tourism industry group on Tuesday as the sector is desperate to get impetus after being hit seriously by the COVID-19.

Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, told the audience at a tourism summit on Tuesday, that the New Zealand government should provide more support, such as cash equivalent travel cards, to revive the tourism industry.

The Travel Card proposal was part of the 100-day plan for the New Zealand government raised by the industrial organisation, which believed its government should issue travel cards with 200 New Zealand dollars injected to every New Zealander for domestic tourism outside weekends and school holidays.

Chris Roberts said the Travel Card initiative would encourage New Zealanders to spend on domestic travel, giving much-needed business to faltering tourism operators.

"Domestic travel is critical to New Zealand tourism industry's survival," said Roberts.

He also advocated for other targeted support to the tourism industry including government loans or grants to the tourism businesses.

Negotiations are underway to open a travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Meanwhile, a one-way trans-Tasman air bridge is currently in place for New Zealanders to travel to Australia.

Scenario modelling of the industry's recovery, released by Tourism New Zealand last month, showed the number of New Zealanders travelling around the country in January 2021 may see a year-on-year jump of 118 percent.

New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash also unveiled four key points that the government will focus on the conference, including strengthening Brand New Zealand, prioritising sustainability, and more partnership between government and industry. Enditem

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