Value and volume in the tourism sector continues to rise with new data sets showing yet more international visitors to New Zealand came this April than last and each of those visitors is spending more while there.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said the results are evidence that the organisation is making a real difference for the industry, as it focuses its efforts on increasing value.

International Travel and Migration data, released today by Statistics New Zealand, shows total visitor arrivals for the year ending April up 10.6 per cent and holiday arrivals up 15.5 per cent.

In addition, the ministry of business, Innovation and Employment’s International Visitor Survey shows total international spend up 25 per cent for the year ending March pushing total spend to over $10 billion for the first time.

Bowler explained: “To see this level of growth in off-peak arrivals is exceptionally good news for the industry – by extending the traditional peak season it enhances employment opportunities and the value growth is bringing significant economic benefit to the country.”

“The increased funding will be used to target growth opportunities from the USA and India to generate value for the industry now and into the future.”

Arrivals from the US have continued to grow strongly with total arrivals for the year ending April up 10.6 per cent.

This is further bolstered by spend which is up 46 per cent for the year ending March to $1.2 billion.

“Additional marketing activity will be seen immediately in the US with Tourism New Zealand’s investment set to capitalise on newly announced air services – which are expected to result in a 30 per cent increase in seats between the United States and New Zealand,” added Bowler. 

Total arrivals from India are up 11.4 per cent while holidays arrivals are up 16.4 per cent for the year ending April.

China continues to grow with total arrivals up 29.2 per cent and holiday arrivals up 34 per cent for the year ending April.