Challenging month for international arrivals

21 July 2011

International arrivals into New Zealand fell by 10.0 per cent during June 2011 to 131,269 when compared to the same month in 2010 (145,825) on the back of disruptions caused by the Chilean ash cloud, Statistics New Zealand figures released today show.

In the 12 months to June 2011, 2,501,303 international visitors arrived in New Zealand which is comparable to the year to June 2010 (2,501,264).

June arrivals fell from key markets including Australia (down 14.9 per cent), UK (down 19.1 per cent) and US (down 9.7 per cent), while China (up 22.5 per cent), Malaysia (up 47.1 per cent) and Singapore (up 18.6 per cent) maintained their growth on the back of increased aviation links. June arrivals from Germany were also up 13.2 per cent.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said the decline in arrivals from our top three visitor markets was disappointing but not unexpected.

“Given the Trans-Tasman flight disruption caused by the Chilean ash cloud from 12 June and the late start to our snow season, the Australian figures do not come as a surprise.

“This year New Zealand’s had more than its fair share of natural events impacting visitor arrivals.

“However I am optimistic that July will see a return to the levels of growth we have been witnessing in recent months from the Australian market.

“The increased number of visitors from China, Malaysia and Singapore continue to partially offset the declines from UK and the US which again reflects the increasing importance of the Asian region.

“Maintaining annual growth from China (up 25.2 per cent), Malaysia (up 33.6 per cent) and Singapore (up 6.2 per cent) is fundamental to ensuring a positive summer period for our industry, particularly in light of the continued challenging US and UK environments.”

ENDS

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