Minister for Hospitality and Tourism Louise Upston said that New Zealand tourism has continued to boom.
Fresh data out this week shows international visitors are returning to New Zealand in droves and visitor spend is on the up, supporting local business and jobs across the country.
The latest International Visitor Survey showed international tourism contributed NZD 12.5 billion to New Zealand’s economy for the year ending December 2025, up three per cent compared to the previous year.
“We have seen a really positive recovery of tourist numbers post-Covid, with visitor numbers at 90 per cent of 2019 levels (3.89 million). These latest results show annual spend has been steadily increasing since the borders reopened to international visitors,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said.
“International visitor spend from some countries has now surpassed or nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with our Aussie cousins contributing NZD 3.0 billion, 111 per cent of their 2019 spend, and visitors from the United States contributing NZD 1.5 billion, reaching 97 per cent of 2019 levels.”
The overall median spend per visitor (NZD 2,248) was up three per cent, and median daily spend (NZD 309) was also up eight per cent, which has meant visitors are spending more in New Zealand’s accommodation, restaurants and local businesses, giving a significant boost to the economy.
“These results highlight why the work we’re doing to boost our tourism and hospitality sector is so important,” added Minister Upston.
International tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, Minister Upston said the Government was laser-focused on growing this vital sector, by doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.
“Overall, the resilience of the tourism industry is evident. Whether visitors are drawn by New Zealand’s landscapes, our welcoming culture, or the quality of the experiences on offer, the continued rise in visitor numbers and spending underscores tourism’s role in fixing the basics and building the future,” she added.
“More international visitors mean more customers for our businesses and ultimately more jobs.”
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