Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters] Thousands of visitors came from across the globe to New Zealand on Wednesday, when the country welcomed them from 60 countries. It was also the first time the country had opened its borders for foreigners since COVID-19 launched in 2020.

At the Auckland arrivals gate, Maori performers performed songs and travelers were given chocolate bars made in their own country as they boarded the planes.

Family and friends embraced and wept as they reunited with their loved ones for the first time for more than two decades.

Garth Halliday was at the airport waiting for his grandson, son-in-law, and daughter-in law to arrive from London. He told local media that it made him feel happy and emotional seeing so many families come together.

New Zealand faced some of most difficult curbs during the Pandemic. They only started to loosen the ever-popularity, in an effort to encourage tourism and reduce labour shortages.

New Zealanders, and Australians were granted entry to the borders in February and March. Visitors from 60 countries that have granted visas can now enter the country, provided they’re vaccinated against COVID and pass a screening. You are not required to isolate.

Jacinda, the New Zealand Prime Minister, told participants at the U.S. Business Summit Auckland that international visitors would really bring back a bit that had been missing for New Zealanders.

There were 43 international flights that arrived or left Auckland International Airport Monday carrying more than 9,000 passengers.

Leanne Geraghty (Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Senior Sales Officer) stated that the demand exceeded all expectations, with most of the services being filled up.

She said, “This is good news for New Zealand’s tourism industry which has weathered difficult storms.”

Tourists coming from many countries, including India and China, are still barred. These restrictions will not be lifted until October.