After successfully controlling the spread of the coronavirus, New Zealand’s prime minister is now looking for ways to boost the country’s tourism sector, which has been hard-hit by the pandemic. Floating one such proposal forward, the PM is asking employers to consider switching to a 4-day work week as a way to promote tourism, as well as improve citizen’s work-life balance.
New Zealand PM Asks Employers To Consider To A 4-Day Work Week
In a Facebook Live video, Jacinda Ardern shared the suggestion while discussing ways to reboost domestic tourism in her country. She said, “I’ve had lots of people suggesting we should have a four-day week.”
But mentioning that the decision would ultimately be made by the employers and employees within themselves, she encouraged employers to take up the idea if they were in a position to do so. A flexible working arrangement would not only allow New Zealanders to travel within their own country, but also help them better their work-life balance issues.
According to her, people had learned a lot about work flexibility during the lockdown and that could be used in a positive way to boost the country’s tourism sector.
Also Read: 10 Places That Are Opening Up For Tourism Again Rather Cautiously!
New Zealand Is Taking Measures To Revive Country’s Tourism
The country however is taking full steps to get its tourism sector back on track. Reportedly, the NZ government has announced a NZ400 million (about $245 million) Tourism Recovery Fund as part of its broader budget to support the hard-hit industry.
According to Business Insider, in March 2019, tourism sector brought in about $16.2 billion, which makes up 6% of their GDP. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand’s tourism market has taken a massive hit, causing many New Zealanders to take pay-cuts and fear lay-offs. And reportedly, one in every 8 New Zealander works in the sector, which shows the extent of the damage caused by the coronavirus.
While we’re not sure if New Zealand will end up shifting to a 4-day work week or not, such an encouraging message by its PM has definitely set the ball rolling!
Also Read: Australia & New Zealand To Create ‘Bubble’ To Allow Exclusive Travel Between Both Countries