International visitor spend on the rise

Spending by international visitors reached $4.5 billion in the March 2024 quarter this year, an increase of 34% (adjusted for inflation) from the same quarter in 2023. Visitor arrivals also continued to trend upwards, with 3.2 million arrivals in the year ending March 2024 – 82% of pre-pandemic levels.

The strong growth in visitor spend in the March 2024 quarter saw overall visitor spend return to 80% of pre-pandemic levels, growth that can be attributed to a shift in the visitor make-up.

The number of higher spending visitors from countries such as China, and those coming for holidays or business have increased, while the proportion of lower spending visitors such as those from Australia or people staying with family and friends has decreased.

Visitor satisfaction also remains high, with almost all visitors (90%) saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with their visit to New Zealand.

Tourism is New Zealand’s second highest export earner and has an important role to play in helping grow New Zealand’s economy.

Full results from the International Visitor Survey can be found in the Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre.

International Visitor Survey(external link) — Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre