August arrivals were up 4.7 per cent on the same month last
year. Just over half of the increase could be attributed to
RWC2011 visitors arriving before the tournament opened.
In the 12 months to August 2011, 2,502,311 international
visitors arrived in New Zealand, an overall decrease of just 0.5
per cent compared with the year ending August 2010, Statistics New
Zealand figures reveal today.
August arrivals statistics showed Australian visitor numbers were
up 5.5 per cent and arrivals from the UK were up 4.1 per cent,
compared to August last year.
Malaysia and China continued to show dramatic increases in
visitor arrival numbers over the past full year - China (up 18.2
per cent) and Malaysia (up 48.6 per cent).
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said, "These
Asian market increases can be attributed to Tourism New Zealand's
leveraging off the growing interest in New Zealand, coupled with
increased air capacity from Asia.
"The 18.2% increase in arrivals from China continues to reflect
the greater interest in travelling to New Zealand from this market,
and the New Zealand industry is seeing the benefits of that.
"We've seen increases from China every month since May 2010. This
will no doubt continue to increase with China Southern Airlines
increasing flight frequency from three times per week to daily
commencing later this year.
"Also of interest is the continued growth we are seeing out of
Singapore and Malaysia. This is being driven by increases in
airline capacity from Jetstar Asia - Singapore to Auckland - and
Air Asia X - Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch; and increased marketing
focus in these key countries.
"Malaysia (29,800) has overtaken India (28,600) as the 10th
largest source country for visitor arrivals for year ended August
2011.
"Decreases in arrivals from the USA, Korea and Japan are not
unexpected considering the ongoing impacts of the global financial
crisis, and the earthquakes in Japan and Christchurch.
"We look forward to seeing further increases in international
visitor arrivals for the Rugby World Cup 2011, giving many
New Zealand businesses a boost during the tourism industry's
shoulder season," he said.
ENDS
Issued by Tourism New Zealand Public Affairs
Mike Bodnar
Phone 021 410 626 or email mikeb@tnz.govt.nz