Australia, New Zealand Launch Trans-Tasman Bubble
Australia and New Zealand launched a two-way, quarantine travel bubble today (April 19)
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison observed: “Today’s milestone is a win-win for Australians and New Zealanders, boosting our economies while keeping our people safe and just in time for ANZAC Day.”
Prime Minister Morrison observed that: “Both countries have done a remarkable job in protecting our communities from COVID and two-way flights are an important step in our road out.”
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said: “It is truly exciting to start quarantine-free travel with Australia. Be it returning family, friends or holiday makers, New Zealand says welcome and enjoy yourself.”
And Prime Minister Ardern added: “The bubble marks a significant step in both countries reconnection with the world and it’s one we should all take a moment to be very proud of.”
The global travel industry will certainly be paying close attention to how things proceed with the Trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel bubble which opens up travel between the two countries while aiming to keep COVID-19 out of the community.
Both countries indicated that they’re confident that they have robust processes in place to ensure quarantine-free is possible and can be undertaken safely.
The bubble will allow many friends and family across the Tasman to re-unite for the first time in over a year.
As well, the Single Economic Market and two-way travel across the Tasman will help drive the economic recovery for both countries while we continue to navigate the COVID-19 global pandemic, especially in the travel and tourism sectors.
It will also enable closer trans-Tasman business engagement, which will drive broader economic activity in both Australia and New Zealand.
The two countries are also exploring opportunities to extend quarantine-free travel to other countries in the Pacific, when it is safe to do so, reflecting their close ties to the Pacific and their commitment to supporting their recovery.
Ensuring the safety of their populations continues to be a primary consideration in managing the borders With the pandemic evolving, the risks of quarantine-free travel will be under constant review.
As for travellers, they’ll need to be prepared for possible disruption to travel arrangements at short notice and will need to follow specific protocols before, during and after their travel.
