New Zealand, one of the fastest-growing isolated countries, has reopened its borders for more than two years

Although epidemics seem to be a thing of the past in many parts of the world, For the first time in two years, New Zealand received its first foreign visitor todayExcept for the Australians.

Arrivals at the long-deserted Auckland and Wellington International Airports were packed with travelers from various countries on Monday, with Maori songs, hugs and tearful celebrations.

Since March 2020, arrival terminals at New Zealand International Airports have been virtually empty The country quickly closed its borders to prevent the entry of Govt-19.

But on Monday morning, New Zealand finally It reopened its borders to vaccinated visitors from about 60 visa-free countries As part of the government’s gradual easing program.

The first passengers landed at Auckland International Airport from Los Angeles just after 6 a.m. local time, while another flight arrived from San Francisco.

International visitors were vaccinated Before departure, they can enter New Zealand. Upon arrival they should be subjected to another test, and if the result is not positive, they should not isolate themselves.

All other international visitors will be able to enter New Zealand from OctoberUntil the government decides, it is safe to do so quickly.

Minister of Tourism, Stuart NashWelcoming visitors with a Whitaker’s peanut slap bar, he said he was moved to tears by his rejoining of 1News.

The country has long been known for its amazing scenery and adventure tourism offers such as funky jumping and skiing. Before the infection, More than three million tourists visit New Zealand each year, accounting for 20% of New Zealand’s foreign revenue and 5% of the overall economy.

The Minister of Tourism promised. Although the country has not yet returned to normalcy, the reopening of borders is a step towards that. “Today marks a milestone for those coming from our major Northern Hemisphere markets – the United States, Great Britain, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada and other countries – they can now board a plane to get here,” Nash said. .

More than 30,000 people come to the country every weekThis is an increase over the full epidemic figures, but much lower than previous levels About 25,000 people a day.

Auckland Airport CEO Gary Hurihanganui said On Monday, 9,000 passengers will arrive on 43 international flights, three times more than in March.. The airport has increased its staff by 40 and will continue to do so in the coming months, he added.

“It’s nice to be here today and it’s great to be able to play a part in welcoming people back to Aotearoa,” he told 1News outside the gate.

Thus said Prime Minister Jacintha Arden More than 90,000 people have booked flights to New Zealand in the seven weeks since the re-opening was announced. “Our tourism industry is acutely aware of the effects of the global epidemic and is working hard to recover,” he said.

Ardern added that there are no immediate plans to eliminate the virus testing and vaccination requirements for tourists.