Forum Archive Index - March 2003

["mvanv" <mvanv@xtra.co.nz>]

As Snoopy has stated, tourism in N.Z. could suffer in the short-term due to the war

in  Iraq and increased terrorist threat

 

In the medium to long term the increased terrorist threat could work in N.Z.'s favour

with N.Z. being seen as a safe destination

 

Although I personally like to think that we in N.Z. are pro U.S. people in other parts

of the world seem to perceive N.Z. as being nuetral.

 

News   Mick	Tue 25 March 2003

  Today In New Zealand News

XtraMSN

Tourism Figures Show Big Increase
25/03/2003 12:49 PM
XtraMSN

Tourism figures just released have shown a marked increase in the number of international visitors coming to New Zealand.

Minister of Tourism Mark Burton says the latest International Visitor Survey shows that international visitors spent a record $6.14 billion for the year to December 2002, a 17.3 percent increase over the previous year.

Mr Burton says it's excellent news! He says in the space of a year, guests from around the world have injected an additional $904 million into the New Zealand economy.

The Minister says the result is particularly good at a time of such concern over international events, especially considering that the figures encompass the year immediately following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the USA.

However, the Minister is warning against complacency or arrogance.

He says the tourism sector must continue to focus on prudent business practice and attention to quality. When coupled with swift, well-coordinated management response to rapidly changing events, the industry will be best placed to minimise any short-term impacts from the current situation.

The 2002 data is also consistent with the longer-term performance of the industry, as measured by both the International Visitors Survey and other tourism sector indicators.

Since 1997, international visitor expenditure has doubled from $3.03 billion to the current level at $6.14 billion.

Mr Burton says the latest survey demonstrates that tourism is heading in the right direction and continues to be well positioned to contribute even more to the economic development of New Zealand.