Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista backs Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ push for NZ travel bubble

A travel bubble between Australia and NZ, with direct flights to Gold Coast’s doorstep, has been dubbed a “much-needed shot in the arm”.

THE Gold Coast’s tourism boss says trans-Tasman flights will be “a much-needed shot in the arm” as NZ’s Deputy Prime Minister pushes for a Kiwi-Queensland travel bubble.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has suggested NZ open borders exclusively to COVID-safe states in Australia including Queensland.

Mr Peters said enabling Kiwis to travel to Australia state by state should have happened “yesterday”.

“Rather than being confined or constrained by states not succeeding with COVID-19, why don’t we just deal with Tasmania and Queensland, and start there?” Mr Peters said.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Annaliese Battista.

“The tourism industry in Queensland is screaming out for it. The Queensland tourism industry is screaming out for New Zealanders to be able to come to their part of Australia because that’s where the majority of us go.”

MORE NEWS

State’s border defence slammed as ‘ludicrous’

Sharks ‘in shock’ over tragic death of teammate

Final straw for Ashmore Plaza retailers

Kick in the guts for small business owners

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said a travel bubble between Australia and NZ, with direct flights to Gold Coast’s doorstep, would be a “much-needed shot in the arm for our struggling tourism operators”.

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

“Airlines that do fly between Gold Coast and NZ will need several weeks’ lead time, so any announcement will ideally consider the preparation needed,” she said.

“The Gold Coast is the second most popular Australian destination for Kiwis. During winter, the demand for coastal getaways offering warm weather, pristine beaches, family-centric experiences and natural attractions is simply unbeatable.”

It has now been revealed the Queensland Government is in discussions to relaunch flights from New Zealand to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.