A New Zealand-bound tour group with 61 travellers in all set out from Guangzhou on the evening of March 2 and is due to land in Auckland on Friday. It is also the country's first group tour with Approved Destination Status (ADS)—an arrangement between the Chinese government and many other nations for Chinese holiday travellers to visit a country as members of a tour group—after the restart of New Zealand's ADS visa.
(Photo: Holly)
"China is one of the most important markets for New Zealand tourism, and we are very much looking forward to the arrival of the first Chinese ADS tour group," said Gregg Wafelbakker, General Manager Asia, Tourism New Zealand.
The tourists were warmly welcomed at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and provided with smooth check-in services. "We're providing some gift bags with some New Zealand products that are suitable for them to take on their trip", said Rachel Crump, Consul General of New Zealand in Guangzhou, "when they arrive in Auckland, they will have a special welcome."
(Photo: Holly)
Since the first inbound flight landed in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport after China optimized the COVID-19 response on January 8, Guangzhou's regular international flights have resumed rapidly. At present, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has resumed or arranged more key routes from Guangzhou to Singapore, Melbourne, Auckland, Sydney, Amsterdam, Istanbul, etc. Now the airport has more than 50 international and regional destinations.
(Photo: Holly)
In addition, according to the notice by Chinese embassies in several countries, including New Zealand, starting from March 1 (local time), China-bound travellers can take antigen tests (including self-test kits) instead of nucleic acid tests. Also, Chinese and foreign airlines are no longer required to check travellers' negative test results prior to departure.
Related news: Here’s the latest travel guide for China-bound travellers & International flight schedules in March
Author | Monica, Holly
Editor | Olivia, Steven, James
