Plan to live your dreams
Covid-19 has dominated the news landscape for the better part of the year, and we all know it has delivered a king hit to the tourism industry. The popular view is that it’s going to take many years to recover.
Last year, 229,566 people were directly employed in tourism. That’s 8.4 per cent of the total workforce.
I’ve watched with despair as colleagues and friends have lost their jobs, and big companies that we thought would always be around have shrunk, or shut up shop altogether.
I’ve watched with a twinge of fear for my own future, too.
Travel editor, a once coveted job, now elicits sympathetic ‘‘ohs’’ when I introduce myself to people.
But among the bleak outlook has emerged a Covid-19 silver-lining, if you will.
The audience on stuff.co.nz/travel and our newspapers and magazines subscriptions grew, and the appetite for domestic travel content was insatiable.
We heard from so many of you who were rediscovering Aotearoa as adults, and finding inspiration in these pages.
As our audience grew, so did the number of heartwarming phone calls we received from tourism operators.
Our content was having a direct, positive impact on domestic tourism. Our readers were out there booking the experiences we showcased, en masse. Some operators credited us with keeping their businesses afloat, and their staff employed.
So we’ve re-launching our travel section on stuff.co.nz. You will still see all the great content you expect from us, along with a bit of a design makeover that will make it easier to find the stories you’re looking for.
On our site, and in these pages, we’ll promote sustainable and mindful travel.
The pandemic has given us an opportunity to reimagine tourism. We have a chance to press the reset button and implement a style of travel that is slow, appreciative of the value and lessons that travel imparts, and less about
Instagram moments and just ticking off the bucket lists.
Once you’re inspired, we will also give you an easy way to book your next adventure.
From flights and accommodation to experiences and Stuff exclusive offers, we want to give our readers everything they need to easily dream, plan and book your next getaway.
Just head to stuff.co.nz/travel to start dreaming. We can all play a part in reviving one of our biggest industries.
And while you’re on your computer or your phone, head to stuff.co.nz/staycation for a chance to win a fabulous Auckland getaway. Happy travels!