New Zealand had about 20,000 tourism businesses pre-Covid and more than 300 applied for Government grants designed to save key attractions. (First published 28/9/20)The tourism industry is calling on the Government to come up with a plan to reopen the borders and to issue every New Zealander with a $200 domestic travel card. There is also support for Prime Minister Jacinda Adern to take over the tourism portfolio so tourism can leverage off her international reputation once overseas visitors are allowed to return. Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s 100-day plan for the Government includes giving every Kiwi a $200 travel card to stimulate domestic tourism outside weekends and school holidays. In recent months there has been talk in industry circles about the Prime Minister taking on the tourism portfolio.

Source: Stuff October 19, 2020 00:56 UTC