Trans-Tasman travel reform proposals make sense

Media Release l 14 August 2014

Trans-Tasman travel reform proposals make sense

Auckland Airport has welcomed the package of proposed reforms announced by Australia’s Tourism and Transport Forum.

The Forum’s proposed reforms are:

• A domestic-like travel experience at international airports in Australia and New Zealand through the streamlining of border formalities on exit and entry.

• Cutting the Australian Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) to AUD$25 (currently AUD$55) to encourage more travel between both countries.

• Opening additional points of entry at regional airports in Australia to encourage more travel.

• Developing common visitor visas to encourage more Asian visitors to combine both countries in one trip.

Charles Spillane, Auckland Airport’s general manager aeronautical commercial, says, “Quite simply, these reform proposals make sense.”

“Australia is our country’s largest single source of visitors and around 759,000, or 63%, of Australians entered New Zealand via Auckland Airport in the last year. However, we cannot be complacent as a country. We can still make it even quicker to cross the Tasman and we can make it easier for international tourists to visit both countries.”

“Importantly, the proposals also have the benefit of potentially facilitating international travel beyond New Zealand and Australia to Asia and the Americas. This can grow passenger volumes through hub airports like Auckland and bring down the cost of travel by creating benefits of scale and efficiencies for our airline customers.”

“These proposed reforms would drive further growth in New Zealand’s travel, trade and tourism. It would be great to see our political parties commit to supporting their implementation if they are elected to Government at the upcoming election,” says Mr Spillane.

Ends

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