Largest Monthly Increase in Visitors

External Migration: February 2000

Largest Monthly Increase in Visitors

The largest ever monthly increase in overseas visitors was recorded in February 2000, according to latest Statistics New Zealand figures. In February 2000 there were 192,860 overseas visitor arrivals, 23,780 or 14 per cent more than in February 1999. The large monthly increase may be partly attributed to the America's Cup yachting finals. For the year ended February 2000 there were 1.644 million visitor arrivals, up 141,650 or 9 per cent on the February 1999 year.

Seasonally adjusted visitor numbers increased by 5 per cent between January and February 2000, to reach a new high for the seasonally adjusted series. In February 2000, there were more visitors from Europe (up 10,530), Australia (up 7,490), Northern America (up 3,640) and Asia (up 2,920), compared with February last year. Within these regions there were more visitors from the United Kingdom (up 5,350), the United States (up 3,410), Korea (up 2,640), China (up 2,010), Germany (up 1,010) and Italy (up 790 or 105 per cent), but fewer visitors from Japan (down 1,270). The rise in Italian visitors may be attributed to the Italian challenge for the America's Cup.

During February 2000 permanent and long-term departures exceeded arrivals by 40, compared with a net loss of 490 in February last year. There was a net outflow to Australia (2,240) and a net gain from Asia (1,540). For the year ended February 2000 there was a net loss of 9,010 migrants, down slightly from a net loss of 9,640 in the previous year. There was a net outflow to Australia (24,620) and net gains from South Africa (2,140) and many Asian countries, including China (2,720), Japan (2,090) and India (1, 720).

Dianne Macaskill
DEPUTY GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN
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