NEW ZEALAND. Aer Rianta International’s (ARI) The Loop Duty Free New Zealand is gearing up to welcome back international travellers. On 2 May, travellers coming from over 50 visa-free countries will be able to enter New Zealand without restrictions as the country reopens its borders for the first time after 772 days.
Since the pandemic hit in March 2020, New Zealand has implemented one of the strictest COVID-19 restrictions in the world. As new variants took hold, mandatory quarantine rules, vaccine roll-outs and travel restrictions have curtailed international travel in the country
As reported, New Zealand partially opened to international travel in April 2021 with the launch of a travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia. However, the trans-Tasman ‘travel bubble’ was suspended for two months in July 2021 following the rise of COVID-19 cases in the region.
Now, the country is adopting a ‘living with COVID’ policy which allows for international travel to resume.
Aer Rianta International Auckland General Manager Fwu Wren Loh commented, “We have been eagerly awaiting this moment over the past two years, and the entire team at The Loop Duty Free New Zealand is proud to welcome back international travellers.
“Throughout the pandemic we have been working hard behind the scenes to further enhance our retail proposition and ensure that we are strategically positioned to maximise all new opportunities. We are excited to bring a truly exceptional travel retail experience to passengers as we are fully operational once again.”
Aer Rianta International has committed to continuing operations and retaining its team in Auckland Airport. In preparation for the return of international travel, the retailer has developed a new customer value proposition to meet the evolved demands of consumers in the post-pandemic world.
Sustainability, digitalisation, an exceptional range, value, convenience, great gifting, hyperconnectivity and a bespoke Sense of Pplace are the key pillars of the proposition.
Aer Rianta International put continued investment into The Loop Duty Free, retaining its staff and ensuring its team is ready for the return of travel. The retailer is also recruiting new talent as passenger numbers increase. As a result, The Loop Duty Free New Zealand welcomed 30 new team members in the last three months.
According to Aer Rianta International, a return to 2019 passenger numbers is already being seen in some regions around the world. New Zealand is expected to follow this trend, but at a slower pace as the country recovers from the pandemic.
