New Zealand's economy benefits significantly from a surge in international visitor spending.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the latest International Visitor Survey results, which show a 30 percent increase in visitor spend for the year ending September 2024. This growth is attributed to a shift towards higher-spending visitors, with median daily expenditure per visitor rising by 10 percent. According to the survey, international visitors spent $11.7 billion in New Zealand during this period, including a record $1.9 billion in the September quarter.
The Government aims to grow the tourism sector through innovative strategies such as encouraging off-peak visits and regional tourism. Minister Doocey is working with the industry on a tourism growth roadmap, expected to be finalized early next year, which will support the sector's recovery and shape its future. The Minister expressed confidence that this new roadmap will play a pivotal role in revitalizing the tourism and hospitality sectors in New Zealand.
The full results of the International Visitor Survey can be found on the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment website.