Australians may be allowed to travel to New Zealand and the Pacific from July 1st, and other countries deemed “safe” from September, according to a timetable produced by the Tourism Restart Taskforce.
7 News reports that the taskforce meets once a week to discuss and agree on a plan to reopen the tourism industry, with government representatives often in attendance.
At the last meeting, the taskforce approved the timetable covering domestic travel and events, and international travel.
It has submitted a plan for a “proof of concept flight” between Canberra and Wellington departing on July 1st.
According to the timetable, Pacific nations will be included in the proposed NZ bubble.
The Chair of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Tourism John Hart says they are saying that New Zealand travel will commence on July 1st and from 10th September they will consider whether other bubbles can commence.
The timetable is “aspirational” and the final decision will rest with the NZ and Australian governments but several key departments are now reportedly working towards these dates.
If approved, the first flight on July 1 will carry government officials, media and business representatives, Hart said.
Passengers will not need to go into mandatory 14-day quarantine and will be cleared to go home.
[Source: 7 News]
