|
New scheme to encourage Chinese tourism
Wednesday, 14 November 2012, 4:39 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
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Hon Nathan Guy
Minister of
Immigration
14 November
2012 Media Statement
New scheme to encourage Chinese
tourism
Immigration Minister Nathan Guy has today
announced a new agreement with China Southern Airlines to
make it easier for high-value Chinese tourists to visit New
Zealand.
“Planned to start from 22 November, Gold and
Silver frequent flyer card holders with China Southern
Airlines will not have to produce evidence of sufficient
funds to support themselves, as long as they can show their
flight records over the previous two years.
“This will
make the visitor visa process more streamlined. At the same
time though, applicants will still require a visa and need
to meet health and good character requirements, as well as
evidence of onward travel.
“Immigration New Zealand
will be carefully monitoring the arrangement and it can be
suspended at any time if necessary.
“China is one of New
Zealand’s largest tourist markets with around 160,000
visitors coming here last year, contributing around $555
million to the economy. However they tend to stay for
shorter periods of time. The aim of this new arrangement is
to encourage more high-value tourists to visit and stay here
for longer, producing greater economic benefit for New
Zealand.
“This group of travellers are considered to be
low-risk as they travel regularly for business or leisure.
“This arrangement has similar features to the Approved
Destination Status (ADS) scheme which facilitates the travel
of organised tour groups from China to New Zealand. The ADS
scheme has been in place for over a decade and has been a
big success with around a million visitors from China coming
to New Zealand on group tours under the ADS scheme so
far,” says Mr Guy.
The waiver will not be available to
non-Chinese nationals or to those who have never travelled
overseas before.
ENDS
© Scoop Media

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