With a decent snow fall lately on our mountains, our NZ ski fields are busy preparing for the months to come, with the anticipation of welcoming visitors again. Some already have opened and the (local) visitor numbers are looking promising.
NZ RANKING
The NZ South Island has topped a list of the world’s best places to visit.
This ranking was compiled by Washington, D.C-based publisher U.S. News & World Report, which analyzed more than 1100 destinations, taking into consideration user votes as well as input from experts and their own editors. It is the second year in a row Te Waipounamu (NZ South Island) has topped the American publisher’s list, even though New Zealand was still closed to tourists when last year’s ranking was released.
Paris was ranked in second place, followed by the Hawaiian island of Maui, and the French Polynesian islands of Bora Bora and Tahiti.
London, Rome, Turks & Caicos, Tokyo and the Maldives rounded out the top 10.
BORDERS OPENED
You will have noticed that our NZ borders have opened up to overseas visitors and the NZ Tourism industry predictions are that the North American visitors will be back up to 85% in 2024 compared to before 2020.
FLIGHTS
Our national airline has announced that they will be flying again from the Americas, from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago and also New York -all directly to Auckland New Zealand. See www.airnz.com for details and dates. Several pre flight restrictions have been cancelled.
TIMING
There will still be some hesitation for many travelers, however, New Zealand will be a safe country, with no crowds and beautiful people and scenery. Some uncertainty will linger around; what if…you get sick while visiting and need to isolate? Does your insurance cover? What are all the (new) rules and regulations? These are still a bit all over the place. There are strict guidelines for our tourism industry in place to stay safe and deal with any related issues.
Hence my recommendation is to delay travel perhaps when things are more stable. Tailored Travel has decided to stay ‘in hibernation’ till 2024, however we are already taking bookings for returning guests with us for that year.
The travel landscape may be changed, however our NZ natural landscape has not; still breathtakingly beautiful, without the crowds, great friendly welcoming people and all in all a safe place to visit.
Kia Kaha (Stay strong)
Contact me now with any enquiries: Robert@customtours.co.nz