MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2008
Holidaying Australians Boost Visitor Numbers
The high numbers of Australians visiting New Zealand and the booming cruise industry have given a boost to visitor
numbers in February.
Figures out today from Statistics New Zealand show that in February 2008 there were over 280,513 visitors to New
Zealand, an increase of 4.8% on the same time in 2007.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton said Tourism New Zealand is working to maintain traditional markets
in the face of a tougher global economic climate, while endeavouring to increase the value of growing markets such as
China.
“We have just launched a new campaign in the UK and Germany that is using interactive media to target walkers and nature
lovers. The UK is our second biggest visitor market and still a valuable source of visitors.
“We will launch the first ever 100% Pure New Zealand campaign in Shanghai next month in a bid to target the growing
middle class and increase the value of visitors from China.”
Visitor numbers from the US continued to be strong over February on the back of the cruise industry, despite economic
woes in this market and a low growth forecast for 2008.
“Our ‘What’s On’ campaign in Australia is continuing to increase the number of visitors from across the Tasman who are
spending more time in more regions of New Zealand."
Highlights of International Visitor arrivals February 2008
Australia 85,376 up 9.5%
UK 50,025 up 1.9%
USA 31,142 up 6.6%
Canada 9,085 up 25.4%
China 15,433 up 3.4%.
Germany 10,120 up 6.0%
Korea 7,084 down 16.8%
Japan 11,546 down 13.4%
ends