Figures announced by Statistics New Zealand show there were 168,422 arrivals for the month of July 2005…
Figures announced by Statistics New Zealand show there were 168,422 arrivals for the month of July 2005, a decrease of 2.8% on the same period last year.
The number of UK arrivals was up 20.5% compared to the same time last year – although the bulk of Lions Supporters arrived in June where numbers were up by 123%.
Travel in other key markets such as the US, Australia and Japan was down on the same time last year. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton says the figures were not unexpected.
July is traditionally a slow month for tourism into New Zealand and the figures represent decrease of less than 5,000 visitors.
However Mr Hickton says New Zealand is facing an increase in competition in some markets particularly Australia.
Australians, like New Zealanders, are travelling like never before and they are being lured by other destinations such as the Pacific Islands, Asia, the United States – many who have recently had an increase in airline seats. Tourism Australia has also put substantial increased funding into convincing people to stay in their own country and visit other states.
The ski season has had an effect on the Australian market too with – Australia having a bumper season, whereas New Zealand has only just started to produce good quality snow.
Mr Hickton says the Japan market is also a good example of increased competition.
With years of disturbed travel due to security concerns following terrorist attacks, we are now noticing that Japanese travellers are now more confident to return to North America and Europe.
Industrial action effected visitor arrivals out of Asia with Korea`s ASEANA pilots striking during July and Air New Zealand cutting back some of its flights into Asia due to strikes.
International visitor arrivals to New Zealand for month of June 2005
Australia 66,960 -6.3%
USA 14,592 -9.6%
UK 17,520 +20.5%
Germany 2,592 +7.8
Japan 10,728 -3.4%
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