Germany overtakes Japan as NZ’s fifth largest visitor market

With 9,424 extra arrivals for the 12 months to the end of March, Germany has overtaken Japan to become New Zealand’s fifth largest visitor market.

Total arrivals from Germany were up 14.5 per cent for the year to 74,224 – the highest ever recorded for a 12 month period, with 6.4 per cent growth in March.

“The strong growth we are seeing from Germany is fantastic for both the tourism industry and the New Zealand economy,” says Chris Roberts, General Manager Corporate Affairs, Tourism New Zealand.

“With German holiday makers staying an average of 24 days they inject significant value into the economy during their visit. The growth from this key traditional market in the past 12 months has seen the arrival of thousands of additional German holiday makers who stay longer, travel more widely and spend more.”

While total arrivals into New Zealand for the year ending March were up 5.4 per cent, due to the later celebration of Easter total arrivals were down 6.3 per cent for the month.

“Celebrating Easter in mid-April this year has had a big influence on the March to March comparisons, especially Australia down 13.4 per cent, and the UK, down 19.4 per cent – the first negative result from this market for over six months.

“Both of these markets have been key players in the growth we have seen over the summer season, and indicative arrivals figures for April are again looking positive.

“Interest in New Zealand from the UK has surged following the recent Royal visit with potential travellers keen to experience similar experiences to the Royal family. At the conclusion of the tour there was a 15 per cent increase in UK visits to newzealand.com, and a 10 per cent increase in USA visits.”

USA continued positive growth, with total arrivals up 9.5 per cent, and holiday arrivals up 11.1 per cent in March.

“Interestingly, over half of the growth seen from the US has arrived in New Zealand via Hawaii, reiterating the importance of supporting new airlines such as Hawaiian which has been operating non-stop services since March 2013.”

Total arrivals from Japan were down 10.0 per cent for the month and 2.8 per cent for the year ending March.

“The decline from the Japanese market is a result of reduced airline capacity over the 2014 summer season. This is a temporary issue and we continue to work with airlines to leverage the existing high demand for a holiday to New Zealand and convert this into travel.”

Growth was seen from other markets across Asia during March, with total arrivals from China up 11.9 per cent, Singapore up 10.8 per cent, Korea up 2.2 per cent.

“Arrivals from India – up 24.0 per cent in March – and Indonesia – up 41.2 per cent – were particularly strong, which is positive following our increased activity in these priority emerging markets.”