New Zealand border reopening welcomed by business events industry

March 17, 2022

Events / Tourism /

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has welcomed the announcement enabling vaccinated visitors to enter New Zealand without isolation.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins says the decision allowing the return of Australian visitors from 12th April and all other visa-waiver travellers from 1st May offers much-needed confidence after the roller coaster ride of the past two years.

Hopkins notes “this is the message our international customers needed to hear. We anticipate between 50 to 60 business events with international attendees will now be able to proceed with confidence this year, bringing vital export revenue and cash flow back to the sector.

While this is the most positive step to date in New Zealand’s plan to reconnect with the world, BEIA warns there is still work to be done.

“As we see it, the mahi (work) isn’t finished. There are a couple of critical issues, vital to our sector, which still need to be addressed,” she says

“The first is the need for the government to indicate when we can expect a shift in the Covid Protection Framework from Red to Green. We understand that can’t happen right now in the midst of the Omicron peak, but we are keen to ensure this is uppermost in the government’s thinking.”

“The second is the process for attendees and visitors to enter the country. This needs to be refined, as currently, it is cumbersome and not fit for purpose.

“We join with other sectors, such as Hospitality New Zealand, to call for the elimination of Vaccine Passes soon. They have done their job brilliantly, but now, with the majority of New Zealanders vaccinated and fully vaccinated travellers only allowed into the country, passes will become redundant.

“This is a moment for reflection on a tumultuous two years, and celebration for everyone in the events, tourism, accommodation, travel and hospitality sectors who we have worked alongside,” adds Hopkins.

“The desire to return to face-to-face events is clear, and already we are hearing conversations with future international business customers have begun. The business events sector can now begin its recovery as we start the journey to rebuild, re-hire and re-energise our industry.”

Image courtesy Tourism New Zealand

16th March 2022 - New Zealand Government announces border reopening for vaccinated travellers

14th March 2022 - Working holidaymakers welcomed back to New Zealand

3rd March 2022 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa looks to showcase New Zealand at Te Pae Christchurch

1st March 2022 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa welcomes end to isolation for vaccinated visitors

21st February 2022 - ChristchurchNZ Business Events appoints Business Development Manager in Australia

11th December 2021 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa virtual summit offers optimism for industry recovery

17th November 2021 - BEIA launches Future of Business Events Virtual Summit and appoints new Independent Chair

26th October 2021 - Business Events Sector welcomes Victorian Government’s recovery roadmap

13th October 2021 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa awards PCMA DES Scholarships to New Zealand members

7th October 2021 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa conference postponed despite unveiling of New Zealand’s COVID roadmap

1st October 2021 - Business Events Council of Australia critical of Government plans to shutdown COVID Disaster Payments

20th September 2021 - SkyCity Adelaide and Business Events Australia launch virtual tour of Events at SkyCity

1st September 2021 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa Conference moved to November 2021

17th August 2021 - Business Events Council of Australia appeals to Federal Government for urgent support

4th August 2021 - Business Events Council of Australia supports call for quick vaccinations

2nd June 2021 - Business Events Industry Aotearoa welcomes over 500 attendees to MEETINGS 2021

19th April 2021 - Business Events Council of Australia welcomes Tourism Australia’s continued support

23rd March 2021 - Business Events Australia launches industry toolkit to support event recovery

26th November 2020 - New Zealand business events industry to reunite for BE Reconnected in Auckland

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.