Reimbursement scheme for Kiwi travel agents extended by six months

New Zealand currency notes in a wallet.

The New Zealand government has announced that its Consumer Travel Reimbursement Scheme will be extended until 31 December 2021.

The scheme has supported travel agents and wholesalers to recoup NZ$245 million ($227.1 million) in refunds and NZ$190 million ($176.1 million) in credits for Kiwis who were owed money as a result of cancelled overseas travel caused by COVID-19.

The scheme was launched in October 2020 and is funded to a maximum of NZ$47.2 million ($43.8 million).

It pays New Zealand-based agents 7.5 per cent of the value of all cash refunds they are able to successfully recover for their customers, and five per cent of the value of all credits successfully secured or rebooked for international travel.

The scheme was due to end on 30 June 2021 after being available to the travel industry since mid-October 2020. However, the NZ government has extended the scheme for a further six months to provide agents with additional time to utilise the remaining funding.


Featured image source: iStock/chameleonseye

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