Visitors to New Zealand spend $6.7 billion

Spend by international visitors in New Zealand increased by 5% for the year ending December 2013 to reach $6.7 billion, according to the latest International Visitor Survey released today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The Ministry's Sector Performance Manager Peter Ellis says this increase reverses the decline reported in December 2012.

Ellis explained "visitor spend is now at a similar level to that reported in 2011, the year New Zealand hosted the Rugby World Cup."

The biggest expenditure growth came from the USA at 22% from the previous year, followed by Germany at 20%. Visitors from Asia (excluding China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) also contributed to the growth (up 29%) spending a total of $650 million.

Australia continues to be New Zealand's largest tourism market, with Australian residents spending $2.2 billion during their visits to New Zealand over the last year.

In terms of purpose of visit, the largest spend increase was by visitors here for a holiday or vacation. Their expenditure grew by 8% over the last year to reach $3.8 billion.

The International Visitor Survey is based on results from approximately 8,900 visitors departing New Zealand airports, with data released quarterly. The next quarterly release is scheduled for 20th May 2014.