Tourism New Zealand says UK visitor numbers in thefirst half 2013 were up 3.3% compared with the identical time last year. Globally, there was a robust increase in international visitor arrivals, setting a superb base for the winter season.
“When we glance on the first six months of the year we see a sturdy picture for arrivals -with total arrivals up 5.8 per cent against the similar period last year and holiday arrivals up 10.0 per cent,’ says Justin Watson, Tourism New Zealand’s acting Chief Executive.
“This puts the industry in an excellent good place prior to the 2013 ski season which has already seen an excellent start – with record levels of snow to all ski-fields and Australian arrivals up 17.0 per cent for the month. We anticipate seeing further growth over the arrival months.”
For the primary six months of the year holiday arrivals are up across Tourism New Zealand’s top six markets: Australia 6.0%, China 30.9%, US 20.7%, UK 3.3%, Japan 7.8%, Germany 2.9%.
“It is encouraging to peer this growth from our traditional long-haul markets after what was a tough few years for the industry.
The US has become the third-largest source of holiday makers to New Zealand.
“The underlying growth from the long-haul markets further supports the positive impact seen from the investment in marketing New Zealand’s association with the Hobbit trilogy.
“Our 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign continues to reach its objectives – providing the extra motivation and reason to transform interest in a vacation to New Zealand into a real booking.”
Figures also just released report overall international arrivals up 5.6 per cent for June 2013. Total arrivals were unchanged year-on-year, because of 2012 being boosted by the Rugby World Cup, but up 5.0 per cent in comparison with year ending June 2011.