New Zealand on the up

Tourism bosses in New Zealand are celebrating the news that December saw the highest-ever number of visitors from the UK. The Land of the Long White Cloud received some 42,750 visitors from the UK in December 2003, an increase of some 17.2% over the previous year. Tourism New Zealand also reports that overall visitor numbers grew 3% year-on-year, against a WTO estimate that international arrivals worldwide would grow by just 1%. Some 2.1 million people visited the country in 2003 – and of these, 51% were on holiday, 27% were visiting friends and relatives, and 10% were on business. Barry Eddington, Tourism New Zealand’s regional manager for the UK and Europe, commented: “We are absolutely delighted. We have noticed a marked increase in visitors to places that are off the beaten track. “Our long-term strategy will be to attract this type of traveller – New Zealand’s ideal visitor – targeting those who are environmentally aware and interested in authentic experiences and culture, so that they will mix with the locals and look after our country.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad