(TAN): As tourism slowly resumes in different parts of the world, an increasing number of countries are focusing on promoting domestic tourism to revive the economy. Keeping with the trend, Tourism New Zealand, the organisation responsible for marketing New Zealand to the world as a tourist destination, is looking into the possibility of promoting Chatham Islands as a tourist attraction.
The Government has recently announced a USD 36 million project to upgrade and extend Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport on Chatham Island. This has increased air capacity that presents an opportunity to shape its tourism.
“For some, the Island is the closest thing to going overseas without needing a passport. With borders closed and a real desire to do something new, the appeal of the Islands alongside increased air capacity is growing,” said Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen England- Hall.
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The Island, which has 660 residents and is located 800 kilometres east of the South Island has experienced a noticeable increase in interest from Kiwis wanting to head there after lockdown ended.
The increase in tourist footfall post lockdown has led Tourism New Zealand to explore the merit of Chatham Islands as a tourist destination. “There’s a unique opportunity to use increased visitation to the island to design the kind of future the Island wants for its people while supporting biodiversity,” said England- Hall. He recently had a meeting with tourism operators to discuss opportunities and explore what the Island has to offer.
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