7 Apr 2021

Trans-Tasman bubble: tourism sector relief

From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 7 April 2021
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Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles

The tourism industry is heaving a sign of relief with the prospect of the border opening with Australia in less than two weeks. Australians made up 40-percent of tourists in 2019, spending $2 billion.

Their spending is forecast to recover to about 80 percent of that by early next year.

Kathryn speaks with Grant Webster, Chief Executive of Tourism Holdings Limited, which owns Maui and Britz campervans and has two tourism businesses, Discover Waitomo, and Kiwi Experience.

Its revenue has taken a 90 per cent hit due to covid, with over 100 jobs lost.

She also talks with Justin Tighe-Umbers, Executive Director of the Board of Airline Representatives.