There's a push for the Government to focus on increasing tourist numbers to maximise economic growth. 

Nicola Willis —the minister now charged with driving the growth agenda— is considering visa changes to pull more tourists through the door. 

She wants to see Chinese visitor numbers back to pre-Covid levels.

Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges wouldn't be drawn on whether increasing the international visitor levy last year was a good idea. 

He told Ryan Bridge the sector has real issues, and if the Government's looking to get the economy back on track, visa issues are a start. 

Bridges told Ryan Bridge incentivising airlines could be the answer. 

He says there's nearly as many flights coming in from China as the US. 

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