There has been further encouragement to explore our own backyard.

International tourism expert Anna Pollock told Mike Hosking this an opportunity to stop and consider the future of tourism.

"We have an opportunity to stop and think about the way we want to develop tourism going into the future.

"It's not necessarily about people spending more, but about the benefits of tourism spreading to the whole community."

Pollock says domestic travel will keep the industry afloat, but also have long term benefits.

"If Kiwis get out and enjoy their own country more, they'll be able to extend that knowledge to visitors when they do come back."

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