Visitors Spend Record Amounts In New Zealand

Media Release
Tourism Board

VISITORS SPEND RECORD AMOUNTS IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is attracting more international visitors, who are spending more money, than ever before.

Figures released today by Tourism New Zealand show that international visitors spent almost $4 billion in New Zealand in the year ended December 1999 – an increase of 22% over the same time in 1999.

Chief Executive George Hickton says record figures, coupled with an increase in visitor arrivals of 8% during the same period, show that tourism is increasingly playing a key role in the New Zealand economy.

“The figures show that we are not only attracting more visitors, but these visitors are spending more money each day they are in New Zealand.”

The average daily spend has increased 18.5% since December 1998.

“When you are next helping an American visitor with directions keep in mind that they are bringing $254.00 to the New Zealand economy each day,” says Mr Hickton.

“For many, visiting New Zealand is not taken lightly; they have dreamed of visiting our country for years. The money they spend each day is hard earned cash they have saved in anticipation of their trip to New Zealand.”

“New Zealanders should be proud our country has such a fantastic international reputation that an increasing number of world travellers are prepared to make the long haul visit and have been saving their disposable income for such a trip.”

Australia is still New Zealand’s largest market both in terms of numbers visiting and dollars spent, with 523,428 Australian visitors spending an average of $142 per day. This is an increase spend of 8% from the year before.

The Asian market (excluding Japan) showed the greatest growth in average daily spend – up 60%.

Other highlights include:
 UK visitors spend $119 per day, an increase of 11%
 Japan visitors spend $275 per day, an increase of 27%
 Singaporean visitors spend $197 per day, an increase of 26%

These expenditure figures do not include international airfares.

Mr Hickton says this increase in visitor spend only takes account of the lead up to the millennium and the America’s Cup.

“Anecdotal evidence indicates that we can expect some strong results from the tourism sector in the next quarter.”

The next expenditure figures should be available in May.

For more information please contact:
George Hickton
Chief Executive
Tourism New Zealand
(04) 917 5410
(025) 817605

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