South Korea

Market Overview South Korea is New Zealand's sixth largest market in terms of visitor numbers and source of expenditure.

Korea Market Update Mark Frood, Regional Manager North Asia - August 2008 VIEW MARKET UPDATE

South Korean visitor arrivals to New Zealand have been declining in the past year as a result of a reduction in airline seats, increasing fuel surcharges and group package prices.

In the year to July 2008, 88,165 South Koreans visited New Zealand, a fall of 20.5 per cent on the previous year.

The rapid growth rates of the past are unlikely to be repeated as this market reaches maturity. Long term, visitor arrivals are expected to decrease by 1.2 per cent annually between 2008 and 2014.

The New Zealand dollar has also strengthened considerably against the Korean Won over the past year. To develop the market, the travel industry has been focusing on the FIT (free independent travel) market. This style of travel now accounts for 41 per cent of Korean visitors to New Zealand.

Quick Facts: