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Covid-19 decimates West Coast's Glacier Country economy

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 25 Feb 2021, 1:20PM
Photo / Getty Images
Photo / Getty Images

Covid-19 decimates West Coast's Glacier Country economy

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 25 Feb 2021, 1:20PM

Final gasps from tourism operators in some of the country's more remote areas.

A new report paints a sobering picture of the West Coast's Glacier Country in the era of Covid-19.

That includes the likes of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

The report says 62 per cent of businesses in the area will not survive the winter without additional support.

Franz Josef business operator Adam Haugh told Kate Hawkesby his town should be given assistance, given the impact they can have on the economy when tourists return.

He says the district has the key infrastructure to boost the New Zealand tourism trade.

A letter to Tourism Minister Stuart Nash from local tourism leaders, urges the Government to step in, with a cash injection of  almost $35-million, just to keep the region afloat.

It also asks for mental health advisors and economic support staff to be appointed - to support the wellbeing of Covid-hit locals.

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