May 16^th is “Travel Day” in Japan. It is also said to be the day that the haiku master, Matsuo Basho, set off on his travels on “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”.

Due to the current global pandemic, it is important that we refrain from unnecessary travel. However, it has got us thinking over the past year about the necessity of travel- as an individual traveler and as a business. Here at Candlewick, we are responsible for the PR of the New Zealand Tourism Board and the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Bureau in Japan, and a number of domestic hospitality brands. Through our work with these clients, we have learned a great deal from the ideas and policies of each government and company’s COVID measures. Through thorough discussion, we continue to pursue PR strategies that should be taken today and the messages that should be communicated now.

Quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia, called the “Trans-Tasman Bubble,” opened in April. Upon the opening, those who arrived in New Zealand were greeted by the words ‘Welcome Whanau’ on the airport tarmac. “Whanau” is the Māori word for family. Who would have thought the arrival of a single plane could be this exciting?

At the airport, families were reunited with hugs after a long time apart.

The first day travel bubble was reported all over the world, spreading hope that such a day could become a reality elsewhere in the world if we are successful in our COVID prevention methods. It was a day when, as a PR company, we were reminded of the significance of media reporting.

“Kia Ora” is the Māori word for hello. In New Zealand, life is almost back to as it was before COVID. We cannot wait for when we are free to travel again once all has settled.

This is the first time that the whole world has been aware of other countries’ situations with the same shared concern. When we can travel again, we can visit countries with a different perspective than before. Until that day comes, we will continue to share the wonder of travel with you all.