Record international visitor spend in 2002
Minister of Tourism Mark Burton is delighted by the results of the latest International Visitor Survey. The survey,
released today by the Ministry of Tourism, shows that international visitors spent a record $6.14 billion for the year
to December 2002—a 17.3 percent increase over the previous year.
"This is excellent news indeed. In the space of a single year, guests from around the world injected an additional $904
million into New Zealand’s economy.
"At a time of such concern over international events, it is particularly heartening that 2002 was such a positive year
for New Zealand’s entire tourism sector.
"These results are all the more remarkable given that they encompass the year immediately following the September 11
terrorist attacks in the USA. That New Zealand has performed well in this difficult operating environment provides us
with some reassurance.
" New Zealand’s recovery in no way suggests that there is any room for complacency or arrogance. As always, the sector
must continue to focus on prudent business practice and attention to quality. When coupled with swift, well-coordinated
management response to rapidly changing events, the industry will be best placed to minimise any short-term impacts from
the current situation.
The 2002 data is also consistent with the longer-term performance of the industry, as measured by both the International
Visitors Survey and other tourism sector indicators.
"Since 1997, international visitor expenditure has doubled from $3.03 billion to the current level at $6.14 billion. For
an industry of this size, this is a tremendous ongoing performance and reflects the critical role and the major
contribution tourism makes to the New Zealand economy," Mark Burton said.
"Not only are we attracting more visitors, but, more importantly, these visitors are staying longer and spending more.
“This data clearly demonstrates that tourism is heading in the right direction, and continues to be well positioned to
contribute even more to the economic development of New Zealand."
The full report is available on http:// http://www.trcnz.govt.nz.