While some parts of the globe continue to battle various waves of the global Covid-19 pandemic – Italy and France both enduring ongoing lockdowns, and now DOHANEWS indicating the country may see lockdown measures imposed “similar to those experienced during the start of the pandemic last year” – Australia and New Zealand, largely due to the countries’ various early lockdown measures, seem to have dodged the Covid-19 lockdown bullet (at least for now) allowing the trans-Tasman bubble to officially be declared open from 11:59pm on 18 April 2021.

The news of the trans-Tasman bubble opening has sent tourist operators into overdrive with Tourism Australia releasing a statement today (7 April 2021) inviting New Zealanders “to take advantage of the exclusive travel access to Australia and to enjoy all of the experiences and destinations that have long made Australia such a highly sought-after destination among international travellers”.

“As one of our closest neighbours and largest inbound markets, we have long held strong tourism ties with New Zealand, so we are really excited to be exclusively welcoming our friends from across the Tasman back to Australia,” says Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison, adding that she hopes New Zealanders will make the most of the two-way travel bubble.

While in the past many travellers from New Zealand may have chosen other overseas destinations as their travel options, Ms Harrison says Tourism Australia is “calling on New Zealanders to [make the most of the bubble] and to take the opportunity to relax, reconnect with loved ones, and discover – or perhaps rediscover – some of the lesser-known parts of Australia that make us such an incredible holiday destination”.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan says New Zealanders will be “itching to visit Australia, following confirmation they won’t have to complete two weeks quarantine on their return home from 19 April 2021”.

“Australia has long been the most popular international destination for New Zealand tourists, attracting 40% of outbound leisure travellers in 2019, and when you look at the wonderful and diverse tourism offering in Australia you can understand why Kiwis love to visit,” says Mr Tehan.

“Right now, Australia is the only international destination for New Zealanders, so we are taking advantage of that opportunity to reach 3.1 million New Zealanders who normally travel overseas each year and remind them how great it is to holiday in Australia.”

Reportedly, a new advertising campaign is set to start on 7 April 2021, in New Zealand across TV, online, print and radio, to showcase the benefits of travelling to Australia, and, according to Mr Tehan, it will “highlight Australia’s food and wine, nature, wildlife and more unique experiences”.

“We want to attract as many Kiwis as possible to holiday in Australia this year, to support our local tourism jobs and businesses,” says Mr Tehan.

So, what about you? If you’re a New Zealander, will you travel Down Under?

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