Easter Bounce for International Tourism

Friday 19 May 2006

Easter Bounce for International Tourism

The Easter holidays have brought a large increase in international visitors to New Zealand in April, especially from New Zealand’s two largest markets - Australia and the UK.

Results released today by Statistics New Zealand show that visitor numbers for the month of April were up 9.7 percent, an increase of 16,891visitors. Numbers for US, UK and Australia were up by 19.9%, 20.4% and 12.5% respectively.

“This backs up the feedback we have been getting from US and UK wholesalers – they have been saying that their bookings were very strong for late last summer,” says George Hickton, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive. “We are also aware that the cruise market has had a very good season, which will have boosted recent visitor numbers from the US.”

He says that Tourism New Zealand is working on keeping up the momentum.

“The largest New Zealand training event in the US, Kiwi Link, is happening in Los Angeles this weekend. We also have the Chelsea Flower Show next week, where the 100% Pure New Zealand garden will showcase New Zealand and around which we have a major marketing campaign. All this is working to keep New Zealand top of mind as a potential holiday destination.”

International visitor arrivals to New Zealand for April 2006
Australia up 12.5% to 78,826 UK up 20.4% to 21,010
USA up 19.9% to 17,380 Japan down 27% to 8,976
Korea up 5.5% to 8,030 China up 41.7% to 9,724

ENDS

© Scoop Media