A report in Stuff.co.nz says that growth in visitor numbers to New Zealand continues despite pressure from a strong Kiwi dollar, Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor said.
Visitor numbers for July this year reached 173,046, up 3.6 per cent (or 6,100) on July 2006, Statistics New Zealand figures show.
Market performances were mixed, with the Australian market doing particularly well – up 14.6 per cent (or 9,700), while Japan, the United States and South Korea all dropped, Mr O’Connor said.
“While there were winners and losers in terms of markets, it is important that, overall, results are again positive. Our marketing efforts offshore mean that we have our key bases covered to accommodate these variations.”
Year-end data shows growth of 3.7 per cent to 2,463,870 – which is a record result for visitor arrivals, Mr O’Connor said.
“Clearly, New Zealand is ever popular with visitors. Our challenge is to ensure our products remain fresh, while we manage this continued growth in numbers and encourage visitors to spend more when they are here.”
Report by The Mole
