An ABC report sasy that Australian tourists have boosted spending by visitors to New Zealand, which has increased despite higher airfares and a slowing global economy.
Tourism Ministry figures show spending by overseas visitors stood at $6.2 billion in the year to March, up 2.7% on the previous year.
Australians led the growth, lifting their spending 17% to $1.7 billion, while spending from most Asian nations decreased, as they preferred to travel closer to home.
Tourism Ministry research manager, Bruce Bassett says Australians make up about two-thirds of visitor numbers, and are expected to provide the backbone to an industry hit by rising travel costs and an international economic downturn.
Spending from visitors of New Zealand’s traditional markets – Australia, Britain and the United States – has grown over the past five years.
However, Mr Bassett says attracting visitors from Asia has become more difficult, as travel within the region has become very affordable.
A Report by The Mole from the ABC
