The Loop Duty Free New Zealand set to welcome back travelers
The Loop Duty Free New Zealand team is looking forward to welcoming back travelers to Auckland Airport from 12am on 2 May
After 772 days, The Loop Duty Free New Zealand is preparing to welcome back international travelers as New Zealand reopens its borders.
As of 12am on 2 May, passengers traveling from over 50 visa-waiver countries will enter New Zealand without restrictions.
Since March 2020, New Zealand has experienced among the most stringent Covid-19 restrictions in the world. Now, as the country adopts a “living with COVID” policy, international passengers will once again be embraced by a Kiwi welcome at The Loop Duty Free.
Throughout the pandemic, Aer Rianta International (ARI) remained committed to continuing operations in Auckland and retaining its team.
Among the measures undertaken included the development of a new “Customer Value Proposition, ensuring that it is poised to meet and exceed the expectations of the post-pandemic traveler,” the company said. “This includes a focus on sustainability, digitalization, providing exceptional range and value, convenience, great gifting solutions, hyperconnectivity and creating a bespoke sense of place.”
Retention and continued investment in training has ensured that the team at The Loop Duty Free are prepared to welcome international travelers once again. Recruitment is under way to expand the team as passenger numbers increase, with 30 new members joining the business in the last three months.
Globally, the appetite for travel is seeing a return to 2019 passenger numbers in some regions. New Zealand expects to follow this international trend, albeit at a more gradual pace as the country conservatively recovers from the effects of COVID-19.
Fwu Wren Loh, General Manager at Aer Rianta International Auckland, said: “We have been eagerly awaiting this moment over the past two years, and the entire team at The Loop Duty Free New Zealand is proud to welcome back international travelers. Throughout the pandemic we have been working hard behind the scenes to further enhance our retail proposition and ensure that we are strategically positioned to maximize all new opportunities. We are excited to bring a truly exceptional travel retail experience to passengers as we are fully operational once again.”
