Tourism New Zealand: Initial trans Tasman passengers expected to be visiting friends and family

Tourism New Zealand interim CEO René de Monchy said (06-Apr-2021) it is expected the initial passengers on the trans-Tasman bubble will be "those wanting to reconnect with friends and family". Mr de Monchy said while Tourism New Zealand's "modelling shows that while visitor numbers aren't anticipated to return to previous levels overnight, we can expect to be back at 80% by Jan-2022", with estimates that quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand could bring NZD1 billion (USD706.3 million) into the economy by the end of 2021. Tourism New Zealand's research shows "that over half of Australians are motivated to have a holiday that includes fun and enjoyment (56%) and to relax and refresh (53%)". [more - original PR]