TNZ says that international visitors spent USD 2.7 billion between October and December 2023
New Zealand’s tourism industry accounts for the second largest export, with foreign visitors contributing USD 9.9 billion to the economy in 2023.
In a press statement, Tourism New Zealand says that data shows 6,786 more tourism operators have joined back and provided much needed jobs across New Zealand. The data also shows that tourism is also a major employer, directly and indirectly employing one in nine New Zealanders.
According to the International Visitor Survey data, Australia, USA and China were the top visitor markets by arrivals for the quarter October and December 2023, which includes two of New Zealand’s off-peak spring months.
René de Monchy
“The data shows tourism’s contribution to New Zealand’s economy was critical as we recovered from the pandemic with the sector rising to become New Zealand’s second largest export for the year. Not only does tourism contribute to our national economy but it supports our regions and communities, employing 317,514 New Zealanders,” says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy.
TNZ says that international visitors spent USD 2.7 billion between October and December 2023. Holiday visitors median daily spend was USD 339.50 while visitors from the USA had the highest median daily spend at USD 353. Median length of stay for holiday visitors was 10 days.
“Tourism is a critical contributor to New Zealand’s economy and supports our regions and communities. During Covid we sadly saw many businesses go under, this included some in the tourism sector. It’s great to see that two years later that 6,786 tourism operators are back and providing much need jobs across New Zealand,” says de Monchy.
“It is promising to see spending in part of our off-peak season providing a boost, but there is still work to do. Growing off peak arrivals ensures visitation is spread out across the year, helping to increase the tourism sector’s productivity and sustainability as well as supporting New Zealand’s economy. Tourism New Zealand’s latest research shows that there is strong potential to drive bookings in our off-peak seasons, spring and autumn. Tourism New Zealand will be working hard to encourage this,” adds de Monchy.
According to the board, it will be focusing on encouraging visitation in the off-peak months to support the sector to increase its year-round productivity and sustainability.
However, continued tourism levels and growth is not guaranteed, the board says.
“The pool of people in our key markets who are actively considering visiting New Zealand has reduced by about 14 pc since Covid-19. Cost of living pressures, strong competition from other destinations and readiness to travel post pandemic have contributed to this decline. Tourism New Zealand is working hard to encourage visitation, with a focus on the off-peak months to support the sector increase its year-round productivity and sustainability,” says de Monchy.
