1 Oct 2021

Hard up tourist operators want wage subsidy extended after Auckland decision

2:06 pm on 1 October 2021

The tourism sector is asking for a continuation of the wage subsidy, even if Auckland moves down to level 2.

Young person hiking on Roys peak track, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

Tourism operators are not expecting to see Aucklanders in their regions over the next school holidays. (file pic) Photo: 123RF

A decision on the alert level will be made on Monday but the government has already said that even if there was a move down, the boundary around the city would remain in place.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa said this meant its members wouldn't have the benefit of Aucklanders visiting them these school holidays, with this part of the country representing 20 percent of their usual numbers through the door.

It said with the borders still closed, the number of visitors not available to its members rose to two thirds when the 40 percent made up of overseas visitors is counted.

The body said many would continue to show a 40 percent drop in income, the current cut off point at which the subsidy was available in levels three and four.

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