New Zealand received 313,000 Chinese visitors in the first six months of the year, up 33% from the same period last year, and it expects up to 350,000 arrivals by year end.
According to official figures, New Zealand recorded three million overseas visitor arrivals in the first half of the year, up 7.4% y-o-y. Tourism expenditure by foreign visitors reached NZ$10.3 billion, equivalent to 15.3% of New Zealand’s total export revenue.
NZ PM and Tourism Minister John Key
New Zealand prime minister and tourism minister John Key said: “New Zealand’s tourism industry took off when the NZ dollar was at a high.Thr potential for growth will be greater as the NZ dollar exchange rate is less expensive. Presently, the number of tourists is rising, the length of stays is extending and the expenditure is growing.“
Revenue from tourism in the cities other than Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch has registered explosive growth. The tourism industry now employs 94,100 workers, approximately 4.7% of New Zealand's total work force, according to Statistics New Zealand.
Mr. Key expects this summer to be an especially bountiful season for New Zealand’s tourism industry and he is optimistic of the growth in Chinese visitor arrivals.(Translation by David)
