Tourist operators in Queenstown Lakes are looking to neighbouring businesses as attractions look to survive in a depleted market.
The impact on the industry has been tough with job losses reported — including big hitters Ngai Tahu Tourism, Skyline and Millbrook Resort.
“I think it has always existed, but because everyone is at the same level overnight ... people are now more open to working together and knowing it will take a whole lot of little solutions, not a silver bullet.’’
So far they had managed to avoid redundancies by making use of the wage subsidy, but Mr Emerson said the “reality” was if the alert levels did not drop “we will have to make tough decisions”.
He said it was essential businesses worked together —
attraction operators, hotels, travel companies and others in Queenstown coming together to design packages aimed at bringing in the domestic market.
It launched the “Good Buggers” campaign last week, to give away $100,000 worth of swings to those nominated for their hard work and commitment during Covid-19.
“We can’t do much now, but once we start up again we can throw a few people off and give them a bloody good time, which is what we like doing.”
Welcoming the domestic market is something Mr Emersonwas keen to do, but said it would require the alert levels to reduce right down because the company could not operate at any distance from customers.
The Prime Minister is expected to announce more detail around what Level 2 will look like later this week.
