Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper has welcomed the news of the New Zealand travel bubble as planning goes full steam ahead for PacPrint 2021.
Typically around 300 New Zealanders cross the ditch for PacPrint and Harper is hoping even more will head over now after travel of any sort was impossible due to global travel bans.
“With NZ trade shows in abeyance till at least 2022, PacPrint, Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo in Melbourne will provide New Zealand businesses with an unmatched opportunity to see the latest trends and technologies, first hand, in one convenient location,” Harper told Sprinter.
“We have already had a couple of enquiries from potential NZ exhibitors and, of course, many of the companies already confirmed extend their reach across the Tasman.”
Harper is working closely with PrintNZ and NZSDA to ensure all members have all the information needed to make the most of their PacPrint experience.
“The majority of our visitors will still come from Australia – in fact around 70 per cent of visitors tend to come from the state in which a show is held – but we typically welcome around 300 visitors from NZ to Melbourne and Sydney shows.
“I’d expect to see that number increase this year, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at PrintNZ and the NZSDA to make sure their members have all the information they need to make the most of the show.”
Huge relief for variety of sectors
Harper said the NZ travel bubble will bring welcome relief to the travel and accommodation sectors with this then flowing through to the retail, hospitality and events sectors.
“Anything which stimulates economic activity is going to be good for the industry, both here and in NZ, and there’s no question the trans-Tasman bubble will deliver some really positive economic outcomes, probably into the billions of dollars,” Harper said.
“Welcome relief for the travel and accommodation sectors will flow through to areas like retail, hospitality and events, and the gradual opening up will also likely see improvements in other trade and business-related activity. All this will drive demand for print.
“Most importantly, perhaps, this concrete sign that we are moving into a post-COVID economy will boost consumer confidence and provide a much-needed filip to business, kick-starting the next phase of our economic recovery.”
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