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Bay of Plenty tourism operators gear up for 'totally different' summer 18 Dec, 2020 09:00 PM 6 minutes to read Pepi Toot owner Lesley Smith, who is taking local tours this summer. Photo / George Novak Bay of Plenty Times Kiwis exploring their own backyard this summer are softening the economic blow caused by the absence of cruise ship passengers and international visitors. Some Bay operators have launched new products, extended their hours and invested heavily in their businesses in order to "keep ticking over" after Covid-19 challenged the industry's survival. However, local accommodation providers say domestic tourism is helping balance out the lack of international guests, with campgrounds expected to be full over Christmas and New Year.
Christmas holidays: Record numbers expected for North Island holiday parks 11 Dec, 2020 04:00 PM 6 minutes to read Many campgrounds are booked solid. Photo / Tania Whyte Holiday parks in some of the North Island's best spots will be inundated with an exodus of Kiwis escaping the hustle and bustle of the cities. Record numbers of Kiwis are seeing sell-out signs appear at hot-spots; with the surge in bookings due to the fact Kiwis aren't keen to travel internationally as Covid-19 continues to take its toll overseas. That includes a campground on the East Coast, which has never previously turned away a camper; this summer they will have to.