Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick responds to border announcement
From Rotorua Mayor, Steve Chadwick (in response to today's border announcement):
The announcement this morning that our borders will be reopening sooner than expected, and without the need for managed isolation, is fantastic news and Rotorua is absolutely ready to welcome international visitors back.
We knew the return of international visitors was on the cards for this year, but seeing this happen ahead of schedule is very exciting, and the certainty this provides local businesses is very important.
This announcement has come at such a critical time, when businesses are under huge pressures in all areas. We need the benefits of having tourists back in our city now more than ever. The return of international tourists will deliver support for the industry, vibrancy to our city, economic movement and jobs for our people.
We now also have more certainty around events and conferences and organisers will be able to bank on having international attendees again.
The borders opening to Australian citizens coincides with their autumn school holidays which is an added bonus. School holidays have historically been very busy periods for Rotorua and we hope to see these trends revived.
We have plenty of space for visitors and some fabulous places for them to visit while they are here. Our new lakefront, and the attractions in the forest, are just ready and waiting to be explored. We have a huge range of activities for all ages and interests right here in Rotorua and it’s very exciting to think of our city bustling again.
I know the Rotorua community will be very excited to hear this news and our visitors will be warmly welcomed with the manaakitanga that our district is so well known for when they return.
From Rotorua Economic Development, Chief Executive, Andrew Wilson:
This morning’s announcement is really great news for the city.
The industry is ready, and our tourism operators will be ecstatic to have international visitors back.
Not only will this benefit tourism, but our hospitality sector has also been struggling and the return of international visitors will be a huge relief for them too.
It’s been great to see domestic visitors support the industry over the past couple of years but international tourism is absolutely critical to this city.
We haven’t been standing still while international tourism has been missing – Rotorua Economic Development has used this time to develop our Destination Management Plan and the new visual identity for Rotorua.
The industry has also used this time to invest and upgrade their products and I know they are looking forward to showing them off.