Laura Douglas’ tourism startup, a farm surrounded by snow-tipped mountains in southern New Zealand, was attracting hundreds of mostly foreign visitors a month until the coronavirus pandemic brought it to a sudden halt in March.
This is thanks to how much domestic tourism has filled the gap, reflecting in part how badly the coronavirus hit the two economies. While New Zealand’s economy is expected to contract by as much as 20% in the first half of the year, according to the central bank, Vietnam has kept its yearly growth target above 5%.
Across the ocean in Vietnam, the story is very different. In July, more than 26,000 flights are expected to transport 5 million people, increases of 16% and 24% from last year. A Reuters analysis of flight data from FlightRadar24 shows that Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, along with Phu Quoc island and Cam Rahn bay – both tourist hot spots – were top destinations through mid-June after lockdowns were lifted in late April.In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is asking people to “experience your own backyard.” She is urging employers to consider four-day work weeks and has said the government is actively considering more public holidays this year so people can travel.
New Zealand is also far away from everything and is more expensive for day to day items. Vietnam is far more accessible and cheaper way of life.