Australian Visitors Reach One Million Mark

As New Zealand marks its one millionth Australian visitor in the last 12 months, ski fields in Lake Wanaka are predicting a strong season, boosted by Australians looking for reliable snow conditions, international standard facilities and good value skiing and snowboarding.
Lake Wanaka Tourism General Manager, James Helmore, said it was hugely encouraging the one million visitor milestone had been reached.
âThe talk around town is that Australians will be important for the forthcoming season. With one million Australians visiting New Zealand in 12 months, it shows the work by Tourism New Zealand, the regional tourism organisations and the operators to grow this market is paying off,�? Helmore explained, adding "itâs great to be able to welcome so many Australians to this side of the Tasman and this, combined with the great early season snow conditions, bodes well for a successful 2009 season.�?
Lake Wanakaâs ski fields echoed Helmoreâs sentiments. Nadia Ellis from Cardrona Alpine Resort said bookings from Australia are strong for the 2009 season with operators like Ski Express well up on previous seasons. Anthony Hansen from Treble Cone said the ski area had seen a marked increase in Australians taking part in both their Rookie Academy and Treble Cone Race Academy while Sam Lee from Snow Park NZ had seen increased Australian demand for both the freestyle parkâs accommodation and season pass sales.
Figures released by Statistics New Zealand showed that 1,001,880 visitors arrived from Australia in the year to May. This is the first time New Zealand has welcomed a million Australians in a 12-month period.
âThis is a major milestone for the New Zealand tourism industry and an outstanding achievement given the challenges being faced at the moment,�? Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton said.
Australia is New Zealandâs biggest tourism market, making up just over 40% of total arrivals and contributing around $1 billion in visitor spending.