Travellers arriving in Australia will enjoy an easier, smoother experience under a new trial of digital incoming passenger cards in a ‘major win’ for the tourism industry, according to the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said the pilot program announced today, to replace the outdated paper cards with a digital Australia Travel Declaration, was a fantastic first step towards more efficient travel across the Tasman.

“Finally, passengers landing in Australia won’t have to fill out a paper arrival card with a pen! The paper cards are a relic of the past and we can do much better in the digital age,” Ms Osmond said.

“These reforms will improve the airport experience for travellers when they arrive, whilst prioritising border security, through a more modern, efficient process, which we’ve long been advocating for.”

“Initially for Qantas passengers arriving from New Zealand later this year, we’re thrilled the pilot will eventually be expanded to other airlines as the program progresses.”

Ms Osmond praised the dedication and collaboration shown by fellow members of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group, which was established last year to deliver on the Australian and New Zealand’s Prime Ministers’ commitment to explore ways to move closer to seamless travel between the two countries.

“Today’s announcement is a culmination of TTF’s persistent advocacy efforts on behalf of industry and the impressive resolve of government agencies on both sides of the ditch to implement critical border reforms,” she said.

“The Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group will continue to meet to discuss further initiatives to enhance the passenger experience for Trans-Tasman travellers, taking advantage of technology to make travel quicker and easier and attract more visitors to our shores.”

“We remain strongly committed to working with our New Zealand partners and advocating for further reforms towards seamless travel, to revolutionise the passenger experience for the benefit of the entire industry.”

ENDS