With the Industry Suffering from Closures and Staff Shortages, Tourist Finding NZ to be Like a 'Third World Country'
December 31, 2022
PHOTO: Iain McGregor/Stuff
New Zealand risks becoming the “laughing stock of the world” if hospitality’s desperate staff shortage goes on much longer.
That is the warning from Hospitality New Zealand board member Peter Morrison, who says Immigration NZ needs to hire more staff to process applications faster.
Hospitality businesses are in the peak tourism season, but are missing thousands of anticipated migrant workers due to delays in getting visa approval.
“It should be a priority. We will be the laughing stock of the world if people can’t eat, can’t go out because restaurants are closed Monday and Tuesday,” Morrison said.
Tourism was New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, but with restaurants closed and accommodation providers reducing services, tourists would be put off and the whole economy would be affected.
“Tourists are coming here and saying it’s like a Third World country,” he said.