High ratings for New Zealand as a travel destination
International visitors rate New Zealand very highly as a destination, with 96 per cent saying their trip met or exceeded
expectations, according to a new report released today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The International Visitor Experience report – the third paper in MBIE’s Tourism Insights Series – provides a summary of people’s experiences in New Zealand.
“On average, visitors rated their overall experience in New Zealand at 9.0 out of 10 and 81 per cent were likely to
recommend New Zealand as a travel destination,” Deputy Chief Executive Labour, Science and Enterprise Paul Stocks says.
“Highly rated aspects of visitors’ experiences included the natural and built environment (9.1 out of 10), sense of
safety (9.1 out of 10) and activities experienced (8.7 out of 10). Accommodation and customer service also rated highly.
“New Zealand’s environment is important to visitors when deciding to visit, with 45 per cent stating that landscapes and
natural scenery were a factor in stimulating their interest in visiting. Overall, 98 per cent said that the environment
met or exceeded their expectations.
“While 43 per cent of visitors rated their experience in New Zealand at 10 out of 10, only a small fraction of (less
than 8 per cent) gave their visit a score of 7 or less.
“High prices were a commonly cited reason for lower ratings. Other reasons included no free internet in accommodation,
and the inconsistent quality of facilities, public transportation or customer service.”
The report uses data collected through the International Visitor Survey over the past three years and has been produced
in consultation with the tourism industry.
The Tourism Insight Series provides data and insights to inform policy, decision-making and planning for both public and
private organisations working in the tourism sector. It is produced by MBIE in support of a suite of initiatives that
form the government’s Tourism Strategy.
“Through the Tourism Strategy, several government agencies are supporting the sector to reap the benefits of growth in
visitor numbers, while managing pressures on communities and infrastructure,” Mr Stocks says.
“For instance, MBIE administers the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which provides up to $25 million per year for the
development of visitor-related infrastructure such as carparks, freedom camping facilities and sewerage and water
works.”
Read the International Visitor Experience report here: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/tourism/tourism-research-data/tourism-insight-series
View a summary of the Tourism Strategy here: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/tourism
ENDS