International arrivals into New Zealand increased by 5.2 percent
during April 2011 to 197,777, when compared to the same month in
2010, Statistics New Zealand figures released today show.
April arrivals increased from key markets including Australia
(up 8.9 percent), UK (up 20.5 percent), US (up 4.5 percent), while
China remained stable (up 0.2 percent). Other markets to perform
well included India (up 25.3 percent), Malaysia (up 94.4 percent),
Singapore (up 23.5 percent), Germany (up 23.1 percent). Visitors
from Japan (down 52.3 percent) and Korea (down 48.6 percent)
declined sharply.
In the 12 months to April 2011, 2,516,454 international visitors
arrived in New Zealand, an increase of 1.0 per cent compared to the
year to April 2010.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said the increase
in arrivals was certainly pleasing following sharp declines in
visitors during March on the back of the Christchurch earthquake
and challenging economic conditions in some of New Zealand's key
markets.
"A number of factors will have contributed to the growth in
visitor numbers for the month including school holidays in
Australia, a later than usual Easter period, and Tourism New
Zealand's increased marketing activity.
"The commencement of new links between Kuala Lumpur and
Christchurch, Singapore and Auckland, and Guangzhou and Auckland
will have contributed to positive arrival numbers from parts of
Asia, while our marketing efforts in Australia have helped boost
numbers from our most important market.
"The challenge for Tourism New Zealand and the wider industry is
to now ensure we have a strong Winter season and that visitors are
encouraged to come for Spring, whether their interest is in rugby
or simply having a great holiday at a remarkable time of the
year."
International visitor arrivals April 2011:
| Country |
Arrivals for April |
Change from April 2010 |
Arrivals full year to
April |
Change for full year to
April |
| Australia |
99,000 |
up 8.7% |
1,251,035 |
up 0.1% |
| UK |
17,088 |
up 20.5% |
222,803 |
down 11.5% |
| USA |
12,840 |
up 4.5% |
190,510 |
down 2.0% |
| China |
10,296 |
up 0.2% |
129,588 |
up 29.4% |
| Japan |
2,544 |
down 52.3% |
82,599 |
up 4.7% |
| South Korea |
2,640 |
down 48.6% |
62,543 |
up 16.5% |
| Germany |
3,456 |
up 23.1% |
64,957 |
down 0.3% |
| Canada |
2,880 |
down 9.8% |
48,829 |
up 0.3% |
- For more information on Tourism New Zealand's markets.