Visitor arrivals at a record high for the month of June

21 July, 2015

Visitor arrivals at a record high for the month of June

The surge in visitors from Tourism New Zealand’s key international markets continues with holiday arrivals the highest ever for the month of June and total annual arrivals peaking, just short of three million international visitors.

Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show total visitor arrivals for the year up nine per cent and holiday arrivals up 10 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says “These figures are brilliant news. To head into the winter months with such strong growth is exceptional and Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to focus efforts on driving arrivals growth in the shoulder seasons will continue to consolidate this trend.

“This month’s international arrivals, at 2.99 million show we are just short of reaching an annual arrivals figure of three million visitors, which is good news for all New Zealanders. It means more jobs and economic value, not just in the peak summer period but with benefits felt throughout the year.”

Australia, China and the United States were the biggest contributors to the bumper figures for June. “Our number one market of Australia has seen another good month with holiday arrivals up 11.9 cent. We are seeing the results of our winter marketing activity encouraging Australians to take a winter break in New Zealand, particularly to visit our ski slopes.

“The ‘More magic in every day’ campaign highlights the variety of winter experiences on offer in New Zealand - both on and off the slopes. An increase in direct flights into Queenstown from Australia has also contributed to an increase in business at the southern ski resorts.

“China continues to deliver strong growth, with holiday arrivals up by a significant 27 per cent.” This continued growth has been helped by increased air capacity from the two direct air carriers, China Southern Airlines and Air New Zealand.

“The arrival figures for the important markets of the US and Germany have again shown significant growth compared with the same month last year, with holiday arrivals for Germany up 21.3 and the US arrivals up 18 per cent. “These are both very important markets for us and to see these figures continue to rise in the winter months is fantastic news”.

Tourism New Zealand’s strategy of prioritising the emerging markets of Indonesia, India and Brazil is also paying dividends with strong year end results recorded by all three countries.

ENDS

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