Jackman Chiu/UNSPLASH
Walking access on to Franz Josef Glacier was banned in 2012. It is now only accessible by helicopter. Dire new projections for the region’s tourist sector have this week prompted local leaders to plead for government help. From March last year to September this year the region – including Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Ōkarito, Whataroa, and Lake Moeraki – is projected to lose 84 per cent of its jobs, two-thirds of its businesses and 30 per cent of its population. One of the biggest drawcards for tourists on the West Coast was the ability to get up close to a glacier. Only a few years ago they could either take a short walk to the terminal faces or a guided walking tour directly on to the ice – options that are now impossible due to safety concerns amid melting ice. The glaciers are now only accessible by air, or viewable from a distance.
Tourism industry calls for clarity on border reopening plans Monday, January 4, 2021 RNZ
Tourism operators are calling for the government to give them more clarity about when borders will be opened again.
While the news was welcomed, those in the tourism industry said they needed to ensure there was enough time to get ready for an influx of overseas visitors.
The managing director of the Scenic Hotel Group, Brendan Taylor, said it would take two to three months for the airlines to ramp up, if the borders reopened.
He said operators needed time to prepare and ensure they have enough staff to cater for incoming guests.
Photo: 123RF
New Zealanders have been invaluable for keeping the industry afloat with the latest MBIE figures showing New Zealanders spent more than $351 million in October compared to last October - the biggest increase since coming out of lockdown.
But that can t make up for the loss of international visitors which has left a multi-billion dollar economic hole.
Up the road from Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast, Okarito Kayaks, which takes its name from the lagoon it operates on and local town, had its busiest winter ever
Co-owner Barry Hughes hoped that support would continue this summer. Being busier in winter - although it s been great for our morale - doesn t have the same financial impact as being busy in summer. We will be perhaps a little bit busier with New Zealanders this summer, but not enough to replace the 80 percent loss of international revenue that we d have over that time which is very heavily focused towards summers, Hughes said.