How many local visitors will it take to save tourism companies from shutting their doors and laying off staff?
That was the question that hung over Jacinda Ardern's visit to tourism operators in Rotorua yesterday, with the possibility of new public holidays raised as an incentive to get New Zealanders to pack their bags.
Even if holidaymakers do take to the road in droves, domestic travel is unlikely to make up for the $17 billion that international travel injects into the economy each year.
Steve Chadwick is the mayor of Rotorua Lakes Council.
She speaks to Susie Ferguson.
