May international arrivals in line with expectation

For immediate release
21 June 2011

May international arrivals in line with expectation

International arrivals into New Zealand fell slightly by 0.4 per cent during May 2011 to 140,741 when compared to the same month in 2010 (141,336), Statistics New Zealand figures released today show.

May arrivals increased from key markets including Australia (up 3.8 per cent) and China (up 10.6 per cent), while Malaysia more than doubled (up 128.1 per cent) and Singapore (up 36.2 per cent) continued to perform strongly. Arrivals from UK (down 14.6 per cent) and US (down 10.9 per cent) continued to be challenged by the ongoing effects of the global financial crisis.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said recent increased capacity from China, Malaysia and Singapore contributed to the May arrival figures. Without this extra capacity, arrivals would have been down considerably.

“We’re seeing annual growth of 27.5 per cent from China, already 32.7 per cent from Malaysia and 6.0 per cent growth from Singapore on the back of new airline routes into Auckland and Christchurch, providing a much needed boost for New Zealand travel operators at a time when it is most needed.

“It has been an extraordinary five months for our tourism industry, and comes as no surprise to see arrival figures flat this month, however it is pleasing to note new airline links are contributing to an overall positive picture of improved visitor arrivals to New Zealand for the year.

“Prioritising growth in Asia and Australia remains the right thing to do in light of continued challenges in attracting visitors from our traditionally strong markets of the UK and USA.

“Given the series of recent events we're confronting, including earthquakes in Christchurch and ash from Chile, I would anticipate June visitor numbers to remain very challenging, before receiving a boost in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2011.”

In the 12 months to May 2011, 2,515,859 international visitors arrived in New Zealand, an increase of 1.0 per cent compared to the year to May 2010.

ENDS

International Visitor Arrivals May 2011:
Country | Arrivals for May | Change from May 2010 | Arrivals full year to May | Change for full year to May
Australia | 66,720 | Up 3.8% | 1,122,572 | Up 0.8%
UK | 7,720 | Down 14.6% | 221,483 | Down 11.4%
USA | 10,260 | Down 10.9% | 189,250 | Down 3.0%
China | 8,560 | Up 10.6% | 130,408 | Up 27.5%
India | 3,580 | Down 1.1% | 29,992 | Up 13.3%
Japan | 2,440 | Down 54.3% | 79,699 | Down 1.2%
South Korea | 2,860 | Down 33.5% | 61,103 | Up 1.5%
Malaysia | 4,060 | Up 128.1% | 26,118 | Up 32.7%
Singapore | 2,560 | Up 36.2% | 31,801 | Up 6.0%
Germany | 1,900 | Up 4.4% | 65,037 | 0.0%
Canada | 2,120 | Down 6.2% | 48,689 | Down 0.2%
Total
(for all markets) | 140,741 | Down 0.4% | 2,515,859 | Up 1.0%

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