Official government visitor statistics have been questioned by a Stats NZ review of the International Visitor Survey.
Following concern from the tourism industry, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment agreed that a review of the survey was necessary.
“The review has uncovered some deeply concerning shortcomings, including a failure to carry out the survey as it was designed, no training manual for survey interviewers, insufficient supervision and monitoring, and a lack of interaction between the survey company, MBIE, and Stats NZ, which has allowed sampling and data processing problems to build up,” said TIA chief executive Chris Roberts.
“The problems with the IVS have undoubtedly shaken the tourism industry’s confidence in MBIE data, and it’s a concern we have heard time and time again from industry members.”
The survey is designed to accurately provide national information on how international visitors spend money in New Zealand.
Stats NZ identified 10 ways to improve the survey process in the future, calling for better survey design documentation, improved sample allocation, improved online questionnaire, and more engagement with stakeholders and customers.
The effects of the highlighted problem areas will be assessed for the next 12 months, after which a decision will be made regarding whether to revise the published data.
“The ten areas recommended for action must all be implemented to restore industry trust. It is encouraging that MBIE has already made improvements in a number of areas,” Roberts said.
