Confirmation that cricket fans attending the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will only need a single visa for both Australia and New Zealand is great news for the tourism sector, according to the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).
The federal government has today confirmed a new Trans-Tasman Visa Arrangement that means visitors wanting to visit Australia and New Zealand between 26 January and 5 April 2015 will only have to apply and pay for an Australian visa.
TTF Acting Chief Executive Trent Zimmerman said this is a great outcome that TTF and our New Zealand counterpart, Tourism Industry Association New Zealand, have been pursuing for some years.
“This announcement means cricket fans will only have to secure a single visa to be able to see ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 matches on both sides of the Tasman,” Zimmerman said.
“It will make the process simpler and cheaper, encouraging more visitors to travel to both Australia and New Zealand, benefitting the tourism sectors in both countries.
“Having a single visa process will save people time and reduce the hassle, and make attending the Cricket World Cup easier and cheaper, streamlining the entire experience.
“With New Zealand to accept Australian visas 26 January and 5 April 2015, visitors from countries like India and Pakistan will only have to apply and pay for one visa instead of two.
“Congratulations to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on finalising this common sense decision – a great example of the cooperation that is possible on these issues.
“We already have a close relationship with New Zealand and reducing the barriers to travel between our two countries would serve to further deepen those bonds.
“Next year is also the centenary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli and we believe an agreement to further streamline trans-Tasman travel would be an ideal way to commemorate that important anniversary,” Zimmerman said.