NZ tourism sector appears well on the road to recovery
Increased VA arrivals, increased working holidaymakers and return of cruise point towards strong summer season
With more than 145,000 international visitors arriving in October, over 10,000 working holiday visa holders now in the country, and the return of cruise ships, New Zealand is looking forward to a strong summer season as the tourism sector continues its recovery.
Commenting on the positive news, New Zealand Minister for Tourism, Stuart Nash said the numbers are showing that the demand for New Zealand is still there from international tourists.
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“It is also fantastic to see cruises also return to ports all around New Zealand,” the Minister said.
“Over 40 cruise vessels are expected for the 2022-2023 cruise ship season, bringing an estimated 150,000 – 200,000 visitors and to our shores across our regions.
“Our Great Walks have seen around 19 percent of bookings made by international visitors, bringing yet more visitors to our regions to see our stunning natural beauty and experience regional Kiwi hospitality.
“Places on Milford Track were fully reserved in a record three minutes when bookings opened earlier this year.
“New Zealand has the opportunity and the capability to become the most innovative and future focussed tourism destination in the world.
“I’m really excited about what this summer will bring.”
August 2022 was in fact the first month in more than two years where a holiday has been the most popular reason for travel by overseas visitors, replacing VFR which had dominated the reason for travel from April 2020.
“It’s been a tough time for our tourism sector throughout the pandemic,” Minister Nash said.
“But I’ve said repeatedly that the commitment and dedication of the incredible people in the sector means we will come out of these past two years stronger and ready to embrace a forward thinking, sustainable tourism sector.
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