The summer peak season has kicked off better than expected for
the tourism industry, with international visitor arrivals showing
strong signs of recovery.
Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show visitor
arrivals were up 5.9 per cent (or 19,130 total visitors) in
December 2009, compared with the same month last year.
Overall, visitor arrivals held their own for the 2009 calendar
year, with only 120 fewer international visitors than in
2008.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said the record
month for arrivals reflected some economic recovery in a number of
New Zealand's key tourism markets.
"It was positive to end the year on a high, with December
recording New Zealand's highest ever visitor arrivals for a
calendar month," he said.
"Returning economic stability is leading to a rebound in some of
our main visitor markets, providing some light at the end of the
tunnel for many tourism operators after what was a difficult year
in 2009."
Australia continued to bolster growth, with the number of visitors
from across the Tasman increasing by 106,000 (or 10.9 per cent) in
the year ending December 2009. Holiday arrivals were up by almost
20 per cent to 457,000 visitors.
"Sustaining growth out of Australia will continue to be a focus
for 2010. We've seen positive results on the back of year-round
marketing activity and joint promotions with the industry over the
past year.
"Funding for additional joint venture work announced by the
Government in January will allow us to further build our position
in Australia. Our first JV project kicks off for the ski season
this weekend," said Kevin Bowler.
After months of slower demand, the US is returning to strength
with visitor arrivals up 11.7 per cent on the same month last year.
Arrivals from the UK were more subdued but returned to positive
territory with 1.0 per cent growth. Arrivals from continental
Europe are also showing strength.
"We're continuing to push New Zealand's profile in these markets
as interest in travel returns," said Kevin Bowler.
International Visitor Arrivals December 2009:
- Australia - 146,880, up 10.5%
- UK - 39,555, up 1.0%
- USA - 26,379, up 11.7%
- China - 11,691, down 16.2%
- Japan - 8,883, down 4.9%
- Germany - 9,882, up 6.1%
- South Korea - 5,643, up 8.9%
- Canada - 6,723, up 1.6%
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more about our markets under Markets & Stats
For more information contact:
Cas Carter - 021 915 410; casc@tnz.govt.nz