Dollar Drives Tourism Growth

The low dollar, coupled with New Zealand's desirability as a destination resulted in strong growth in the traditional low season for the tourism industry,Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Glenys Coughlan said today,commenting on the International Visitor Arrival figures for July.

"Growth in key markets in the off season is encouraging. With Australia,
(7 percent increase for the month), the Americas (40%), Germany (30%),
Japan up six percent for the month and Asia as a whole up 43 percent, New
Zealand is clearly continuing to benefit by our low dollar as well as our
good reputation with international travellers.

"The industry is keen to make New Zealand a destination for all seasons.

"The recently announced industry strategy will focus on continuing to
build
New Zealand's year round competitiveness, to improve year round
utilisation
of visitor infrastructure. These figures show we have started to achieve
that goal, but there is a long way to go," Ms Coughlan said.

Ms Coughlan also noted that increased visitor numbers were flowing into
improved tourism company performances, with Sky City for example posting a
32% increase in profits.

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