WELLINGTON: A New Zealand airport has imposed a three-minute restrict on farewell hugs, sparking a worldwide debate over how lengthy to cling on for a cuddle.
Bosses on the worldwide airport within the southern metropolis of Dunedin say they had been shocked by the viral response to their new rule within the automotive drop-off zone.
“To maintain issues transferring easily, we have put in new signage, together with the ‘Max hug time 3 minutes’ signal,” stated airport chief govt Daniel De Bono.
“It is our manner of being somewhat quirky and reminding folks that the drop-off zone is for fast farewells,” he stated.
“And don’t be concerned – only a 20-second hug is sufficient to launch oxytocin and serotonin, the glad hormones that enhance well-being, so three minutes is loads of time to say goodbye and get your dose of happiness.”
Individuals who desire a longer hug can use the automotive park, the place the primary quarter-hour are free, he stated.
The hug restriction made headlines worldwide and prompted a divided on-line response.
“I am simply glad there isn’t any minimal hug time. A ‘see ya quickly’ suffices,” one girl commented on the airport’s Fb web page.
“Hug Police!? That is simply bizarre! Hugs are confirmed to have many advantages to not point out psychological well being,” stated one other poster.
The airport stated it began the hug restrict in September with little preliminary response.
“We’ve got simply been shocked how a lot international curiosity there was,” stated the airport’s advertising and marketing and communications govt, Sarah Soper.
