New Zealand hit new record in tourist arrivals

New Zealand had a record number of overseas visitors arriving in December ended the 2011 year in growth and resulted in the first full year of visitor arrivals topping 2.6 million.

Arrivals for the month were 364,165, up 5.4 per cent on the same period last year. Holiday arrivals were up 2,100 and arrivals for conferences and conventions up 1,200. Statistics New Zealand’s International Travel and Migration figures show 2.6 million visitors came to New Zealand in 2011, up three percent on the previous year.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler was quoted as having said that these figures show just how resilient the sector is and to end the year in growth is an excellent outcome. Bowler added that as 2012 gets into full swing, they’re expecting to see continued strong performances from Australia and most parts of Asia.  The USA and Europe continue to be challenging markets for New Zealand, but they remain vitally important and high on our marketing priorities.