#6: New Zealand prepares for the return of foreign tourists, with Matt Stenton

Before the pandemic, travel and tourism accounted for more than 13% of all jobs in New Zealand. (Globally, the figure was 1 in 10.) A lot of those people are still out of work.

In this episode, Paige speaks to Matt Stenton, the programme director of Go With Tourism, which is working to build New Zealand’s tourism workforce. Matt describes what life in New Zealand has been like during the pandemic, and he talks about the crisis facing the country’s tourism industry as it gets ready to welcome foreign tourists again. He also offers his prediction as to when vaccinated tourists from places like the United States and Europe will be able to get back into the country.

Plus, listen up for the latest in our language series, in which Paige gets a lesson in Hindi that will forever transform her yoga experience.

Have you worked in the travel and tourism industry? What was that like — and would you do it again? Or are you planning to travel to New Zealand after the country opens up to foreign visitors? I’d love to hear what you’re thinking and hope you’ll share by sending me a voice message.

Thank you so much for listening! 

Resources: 

New Zealand’s Go With Tourism program

The latest government rules on travel to New Zealand

Facts and figures on New Zealand’s tourism industry