21 July 2004

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Tourist arrivals in New Zealand up 20% in June - don't tell NZ First

Progressive MP Matt Robson says it is good news for job creation that international visitors to New Zealand last month totalled nearly 135,000, up 20% on June 2003.

"In the 12 months to June 30, 2004, international visitor numbers were up 10 per cent on the previous 12-month period, and now stand at 2.25 million visitors who are looking for places to stay, to eat, to do business and to be entertained.

"This is a great vote of confidence in New Zealand, but don't tell NZ First lest they want to ban this progress," the Progressive MP said.

Statistics New Zealand reported today that arrivals in New Zealand from Japan and China were up by 82 and 184 per cent respectively in June. International visitors spend over $6.4 billion in New Zealand each year.

ENDS

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