An NZPA report says that New Zealand provided the most tourists to Australia last year but the United Kingdom offered the biggest economic boost.
New figures released by Tourism Australia showed 1,025,156 New Zealand visitors crossed the Tasman in 2007, benefiting the Australian economy to the tune of $A2.3 billion ($NZ2.7 billion).
The United Kingdom provided 643,467 visitors to Australia last year, with their economic value calculated at $A3.5 billion, with the United States at $A2.1 million and China $A2 million.
New Zealand visitors to Australia increased from 970,000 in 2006, while they spent 13 per cent more in 2007, according to the International Visitors in Australia report.
Sydney was the most popular destination for Kiwis, with 325,000 visitors, while New Zealanders spent more money in Queensland than any other state, $A551 million.
The overall figures showed a meagre two per cent rise in the number of tourists to Australia, but a 10 per cent rise in their spending over 2007.
The report showed more than 5.1 million tourists visited Australia’s shores last year and spent $A24.7 billion on their holiday.
Tourism Australia managing director Geoff Buckley said the figures showed a slowing in visitor arrivals, but confirmed the strategy to encourage travellers to spend more was achieving results.
“This is an excellent result which highlights that our focus on growing visitor spend, and not just tourist arrivals, is working. ” But, he said, the industry would need to work hard for tourist cash in 2008, especially considering the strength of the Aussie dollar.
“We know that the industry faces some challenges from increased competition, aviation constraints and economic factors,” he said.
A Report by The Mole from NZPA
