12 Mar 2020

Business plummets for NZ souvenir maker amid Covid-19 outbreak

From Checkpoint, 6:12 pm on 12 March 2020

Business has nose-dived for a NZ souvenir maker who says shops are shutting and people are being laid off.

Tourism Industry boss Chris Roberts is calling on the government to lift the travel ban on China, with forecast losses to the sector climbing to $7 billion.

Border protections have forced tourists away from our shores - leaving souvenir shops without customers.

Rozcraft in Rotorua has supplied boutique kiwiana souvenirs to retailers around the country since 1976.

Director Roz Hunt says she's having to juggle orders and staff hours to keep workers employed - especially in an area hard hit with forestry shutdowns.

Rozcraft contacted us to say they have just had a major attraction in Rotorua ring and cancel all back orders as a result of the downturn - Rozcraft's sales manager says it's not looking good.