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RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
PM Christopher Luxon rejects idea of visa waivers, extended visas on first trip to China
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (centre) and Tourism Minister Louise Upston (to his left) at headquarters in Shanghai. Photo: RNZ / Craig McCulloch Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has poured cold water on the idea of complete visa waivers, or extended visas for "premium" travellers from China. On his first trip to China in the job, Luxon spent the morning visiting the headquarters of the country's top online travel agency to witness a deal being signed with Tourism New Zealand to coordinate marketing campaigns. He was given a tour of the building and treated to a high-tech multimedia display showcasing the demand for holidays from Chinese tourists. chief executive Jane Sun and vice president Edison Chen both used the opportunity to pitch the extended visa ideas to Luxon, but he told reporters it was not being considered. "Immigration New Zealand deals with immigration for 195 countries, what we've asked them to do since the beginning of the year as we go for growth is to continue to look at our settings with respect to China - are they appropriate? We believe they are," he said. "You're seeing us constantly adjust our visa settings ... we won't be doing that today, it's not something we've discussed or talked through." He denied it was about a lack of trust. "No, not at all. It's just Immigration New Zealand has a decision and a responsibility to look at the visa settings for 195 countries ... that's a decision for them to make," he said. "I'm really comfortable with Immigration New Zealand, I'm very comfortable with our visa settings." Luxon pointed to a 40 percent increase in interest in New Zealand from the platform over the last 30 days. Sun and Chen both commended Luxon for the government's Monday announcement the government would trial visa waivers for Chinese travellers arriving from Australia . Immigration NZ is also adding simplified Chinese content to its official website, and scrapping the requirement for certified translations on visa documents. "Those are the things that we're trying to do to make sure the visa encumbrance is as less as possible ... New Zealand's a pretty attractive proposition," Luxon said. The challenge New Zealand faced in recovering tourism from China was more to do with marketing than improving access, he said. "Just ask you to take a step back, this is a country where New Zealand's trade with the China economy is about a third of 1 percent ... so our biggest challenge is actually getting share of mind and raising the profile of New Zealand within China and that's a marketing challenge. "You have to be in the market advocating very strongly and there's no doubt about it we had a very inward-looking period, and we also actually were very slow coming out of Covid." Tourism Minister Louise Upston said that as suggestions about visa changes came up, they would be evaluated "on whether or not those support our aspirations". "We've had a number of suggestions put to me in my time as the minister and we have actively worked on a couple of them. There's another one coming, but we will consider other options as the months progress. "I want to make sure we're taking practical steps at a time rather than leaping into changes that would be more significant." She pointed to the marketing deal signed with saying it meant using technology "not just to launch to the China market but across the globe, making it very clear that New Zealand's open for business". Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Condé Nast Traveler
30-05-2025
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
Top Trip.com Promo Codes & Deals for June 2025
Want to travel further for less? With timely offers, it's certainly possible–and we've gathered a few pro tips for milking the most value out of upcoming travel experiences as you can. But first, a little background on the brand: Since its inception in 2003, has been on a mission to make travel easier and more affordable for everyone. As one of the leading global travel service providers, has built a reputation for offering unbeatable prices on flights, hotels, and vacation packages, all backed by a trusted customer service team. Whether you're jet-setting across the globe or just taking a weekend getaway, easy-to-use platform and partnerships with major airlines and hotel chains make it well worth a spot in your price-checking arsenal. New users can save $70 with promo codes and coupons If you're dreaming of your next adventure, now is a great time to book with New users can unlock an exclusive Welcome Pack filled with unbeatable travel deals. Simply sign up with your email, and you'll instantly gain access to up to $70 in savings your first booking. Whether you're booking a hotel, flight, or even planning excursions, you'll get up to 20% off your first reservation. The savings don't stop there—enjoy 5% off hotel stays, 5% off attractions and tours, and even up to 15% off airport transfers. For those traveling by train, there's also an additional 3% discount on select routes. Get 8% off rental cars and today's cheapest flight deals Kick things off with spring in North America offers, where you'll get 8% off rental cars and access today's lowest flight fares. Think round-trip flights to Canada from just $137 with WestJet, departing from cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, San Francisco, Phoenix, Houston, Las Vegas, and Minneapolis. These limited-time deals are designed to help you explore more of the continent for less. How to get 15% off and more with app promo codes For even more deals, the platform's app is free to download and offers new and existing users access to app-only discount codes and deals. (If you need any more convincing—the app does, in fact, provide a smoother booking process and travel management—I've used it myself.) Packed with exclusive app-only promo codes, first-time app users can claim 15% off airport transfers and enjoy a 10% discount coupon, available in any currency. Save up to 50% with the student discount Students can save even more— is offering up to 50% off flights and hostel stays through its student discount program. Not only do scholars save money, but many deals also include free flight changes, cancellations, and extra baggage allowance, allowing for more flexibility. Score up to 30% off travel with these offers With unbeatable lineup of travel offers, scoring up to 30% off your next adventure is only a few clicks away. You can dive into immersive experiences with up to 25% off local attractions and tours, from bustling city escapades to iconic cultural landmarks. Every Friday through June 29, 2025, new limited-time deals roll out, including buy-one-get-one-free access to top attractions and half-off global eSIM packages—ideal for staying connected wherever your travels take you. For those looking to book smarter, bundling flights and hotels can slash up to 30% off your total, all while adding convenience. And if you're dreaming of Asia, is your gateway to vibrant, bucket-list destinations with steep savings—up to 50% off hotels in Thailand and 40% off accommodations in China. To avoid missing out, sign up for the site's deal alerts. Unlock 50% off with coupons and promo codes via rewards Frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike can unlock a world of savings through the Rewards program. This loyalty system is designed to reward wanderlust with real perks—up to 50% back in what the brand calls 'Trip Coins,' or complimentary attraction tickets, and VIP airport lounge access—just to name a few. Five distinct membership tiers ensure that the more you travel, the more you save, with each level offering elevated benefits like free global eSIM data, premium airport transfers, and priority support services. Members also gain access to private promo codes and special offers not available to the general public. Whether you're planning a spontaneous city break or an international adventure, becoming a Rewards member turns each fun booking into a smarter, more rewarding decision. Pro tips for saving more with Trip coupon codes Insider tip: Book during the weekdays and consider paying in the local currency to dodge currency conversion markups. Timing is everything—seasonal flash sales and off-peak travel dates can unlock dramatic discounts. Whether you're eyeing summer hotspots like Cancun, Honolulu, Santorini, or Paris—or sticking stateside with New York, Miami, or Nashville—you'll find your dream trip for a dreamier price on Book top summer destinations for less on If you're ready to escape to the most coveted summer spots without breaking the bank, has you covered with unbeatable prices on top destinations. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of New York, soaking up the sun in Miami, or savoring the local charm in New Orleans, ensures you'll get to your dream destination at a price you'll love. Even beyond the US, the world is your oyster—think tropical Singapore, the ultra-modern skyline of Hong Kong, the pure luxe of Dubai, or the rich culture of Beijing. How to use a promo code To unlock instant savings with a promo code is simple: Start by selecting your booking type, whether you're booking a flight, hotel, or a bundle. Choose your travel dates and destination, then browse the available offers. Once you've found the deal you want, click on 'Reverse' and before entering your payment information, head to the Promo Code section. Enter your code and click 'Use' to activate the discount. With one more click on 'Final Step,' your booking is locked in, and the savings are all yours.
CNA
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
AI revolutionising travel and boosting business: CEO
At the ATXSummit, CNA's Sarah Al-Khaldi explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the travel industry with CEO Jane Sun. Ms Sun discusses how AI is revolutionising the sector, from boosting productivity and elevating customer service to enhancing travel planning and experiences.
