There's a push for the Government to focus on increasing tourist numbers to maximise economic growth. 

Nicola Willis —the minister now charged with driving the growth agenda— is considering visa changes to pull more tourists through the door. 

She wants to see Chinese visitor numbers back to pre-Covid levels.

Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges wouldn't be drawn on whether increasing the international visitor levy last year was a good idea. 

He told Ryan Bridge the sector has real issues, and if the Government's looking to get the economy back on track, visa issues are a start. 

Bridges told Ryan Bridge incentivising airlines could be the answer. 

He says there's nearly as many flights coming in from China as the US. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There's a push for the Government to focus on increasing tourist numbers to maximise economic growth.&nbsp;
Nicola Willis —the minister now charged with driving the growth agenda— is considering visa changes to pull more tourists through the door.&nbsp;
She wants to see Chinese visitor numbers back to pre-Covid levels.
Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges wouldn't be drawn on whether increasing the international visitor levy last year was a good idea.&nbsp;
He told Ryan Bridge the sector has real issues, and if the Government's looking to get the economy back on track, visa issues are a start.&nbsp;
Bridges told Ryan Bridge incentivising airlines could be the answer.&nbsp;
He says there's nearly as many flights coming in from China as the US.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.

Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.

The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

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Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the Government's focus on pulling in more Chinese tourists

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/101ec238-7472-4a73-ab04-b26d0135d9d3/transcript