Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed news that New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to gather strength, according to latest industry data.
The Tourism Satellite Account released by Stats NZ shows total tourism expenditure in New Zealand of NZD 44.4 billion for the year ending March 2024, an increase of NZD 5.6 billion or 14.6 percent compared to March 2023.
Overseas visitor expenditure increased by NZD 6.3 billion (59.9 percent) to NZD 16.9 billion.
“The big story is that international expenditure grew almost 60 percent in the year ending March 2024,” Upston said.
“This encouraging news reflects a healthy recovery following the end of border restrictions in June 2022 and shows that many people all over the world couldn’t wait to visit New Zealand.”
Upston said the Government was aware that the sector was critical to the country’s economic growth, and that it was laser-focused on partnering with the sector to continue this growth.
Already in February, the Government has announced a NZD 500,000 marketing campaign to showcase New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians, NZD 30 million to support conservation visitor related experiences, NZD 3 million for a regional tourism boost, and NZD 9 million for Great Rides cycle infrastructure.
“The sector now contributes 7.5 percent of GDP according to this data – and continues to be our second highest export. I want to see it back at number one,” said Upston.
“We do also recognise a drop in domestic tourism spend reported today. That’s another reason to grow our economy so New Zealanders can benefit, and get out and travel their country as well.”
The research also revealed that domestic tourism expenditure decreased by NZD 700 million (2.5 per cent) to $27.5 billion, and that the Total number of people employed in the tourism industry increased by 12.1 percent to 303,400 people. Tourism also generated a direct contribution to GDP of NZD 17.0 billion, or 4.4 percent of GDP – an increase of 16.0 percent compared to March 2023 year.
More news here.
