Travel associations support Trans Tasman changes

Travel and tourism associations support Trans Tasman border changes

The Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC) and Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) support the announcement made today towards implementing a new trans-Tasman passenger clearance model.

Paul Yeo, Chief Executive of ITOC and TAANZ says “We believe this is a good step in the right direction towards making Trans Tasman travel simpler, quicker and eventually less expensive. The short term steps that involve less bio security screening for low risk passengers as well as an automated passenger clearance system that operates on departure are positive moves.”

“However it is the next stage that has the most potential with further studies planned into the integration of pre clearance and airline check in systems and we urge all parties to push ahead with this as soon as possible. We are also keen to see the proposed automated passenger clearance system extended to all New Zealand Trans Tasman airports and not only Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as a growing number of passengers are choosing to use regional airports.”

“New Zealand and Australia are each other’s largest and most important travel destinations and this can only assist in making them grow even further,” said Mr Yeo.

ITOC Background:
The Inbound Tour Operators Council of NZ was founded in 1971. It represents 250 tour operators and suppliers throughout the country who package, distribute and market New Zealand tourism products and services internationally.

TAANZ Background:
The Travel Agents’ Association of NZ was founded in 1962. It represents over 475 travel agencies throughout the country who employ 3,400 staff and who carry out over $3 billion worth of travel business annually.

ENDS

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