Visitor expenditure from China almost $1 billion

21 November 2014

Visitor expenditure from China almost $1 billion

International visitor spend in New Zealand continues to grow, with spend from China now at a record $979 million, up 33 per cent from September last year, according to the latest quarterly International Visitor Survey released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The Ministry’s Sector Performance Manager Peter Ellis says, “The continued growth in the Chinese market is great news for the industry, given the introduction of a new tourism law in China in 2013 that placed restrictions on tourism companies selling low-cost shopping tours to New Zealand and other destinations.”

In addition to China, the USA, the UK and Australia continue to be major tourism markets. Significant increases were recorded by visitors from the USA (up 33 per cent) and the UK (up 23 per cent) from September 2013 to September to 2014. However, the survey showed a drop in spending by visitors from Australia of 11 per cent.

Overall, the total spend by international visitors increased to $7.2 billion, up 10 per cent for the year ending September 2014.

This included a 22 per cent increase in spending, to $4.5 billion, by those here for a holiday.

A table with a summary of statistics is available on MBIE’s website, with statistically significant changes highlighted in red/blue font.

The International Visitor Survey is based on results from approximately 8,900 visitors departing New Zealand airports, with data released quarterly.

ENDS

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