[UNCLASSIFIED]

Remember cyclone season when planning tropical holidays

Registering your details on SafeTravel is even more important during cyclone season, says Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Consular Divisional Manager Lyndal Walker.

The Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April, with an average of nine tropical cyclones per season.

Ms Walker says it’s particularly important for Kiwis travelling in the Pacific to register their details on SafeTravel so that they can be contacted if a major cyclone develops.

“If we have your details, we can alert you to an imminent cyclone. And when it’s passed, we can check on your welfare.”

Last season saw six cyclones in the Pacific, including Tropical Cyclone Evan, which caused significant damage to parts of Samoa and Fiji in December.

As well as registering with SafeTravel, travellers should make buying travel insurance and checking the latest advice on our website a pre-departure priority, says Ms Walker.

“Often Kiwis see the Pacific as our own neighbourhood. But it’s important to remember that access to medical treatment or making changes to disrupted holiday bookings can be complex and extremely costly.”

“You want to return home with memories of beautiful beaches and friendly people, not an expensive bill.”

Kiwis can find the latest travel advice, and register their travel, at www.safetravel.govt.nz

ENDS

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