New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her nation was "ready to welcome the world back" with most tourists allowed to return by May as the nation continues to ease its coronavirus restrictions. But when the pandemic began, New Zealand enacted some of the world's strictest border controls and tourism evaporated. "I know from visiting tourism operators, and talking to their staff, how tough these past two years have been," Ms Ardern said. "Tourism operators finally have confirmation they can get back to business," said Ann-Marie Johnson, a spokesperson for Tourism Industry Aotearoa. Tourism operators both large and small have made huge sacrifices but can now focus on rebuilding their businesses."

Source: The Herald March 16, 2022 23:45 UTC