December 27th, 2024
The latest data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reveals a significant rebound in New Zealand's international tourism, nearing pre-pandemic figures in 2023, as the world continues to recover from the global COVID-19 crisis.
The big picture: International visitors returned to New Zealand in droves in 2023, with numbers reaching 76% of those seen before the pandemic struck. These tourists spent $9.9 billion in the country, highlighting the sector's crucial role as New Zealand's second-largest export earner, trailing only behind dairy.
By the numbers:
International visitor numbers in 2023: 2.96 million.
Total spending by these visitors: $9.9 billion, representing 76% of pre-pandemic visitor levels but only 71% of the spending, once adjusted for inflation.
Zoom in: Despite the resurgence in visitor numbers, spending has lagged slightly behind, primarily due to more tourists opting for accommodations with friends and family and a significant number of visitors from Australia, who tend to spend less compared to tourists from other regions.
What's happening: The period from October to December 2023 saw a particularly strong recovery, with visitor spending 43% higher than the same period in 2022, after adjusting for inflation. This uptick suggests a robust end to the year for the tourism sector and a steady return to pre-pandemic economic contributions.
What they're saying: MBIE's latest International Visitor Survey underscores the continued recovery and resilience of New Zealand's tourism industry, as it adapts and rebounds from the unprecedented impacts of the global pandemic.
The bottom line: As international tourism in New Zealand steadily recovers, the sector is poised to reclaim its pre-pandemic glory, further solidifying its position as a key driver of the country's economic prosperity.
For further details, the International Visitor Survey data is accessible through the Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre on the MBIE website, offering comprehensive insights into the ongoing recovery efforts and future projections for New Zealand's tourism sector.