Chinese visitors drive New Zealand numbers
A surge in Chinese visitor numbers has helped New Zealand record a three per cent increase in total visitor arrivals for November.
Arrival data released by Statistics New Zealand shows that 14,875 Chinese visitors arrived in New Zealand during November, an increase of 34.5 per cent on November 2009 and an all-time record for Chinese visitors in a November month.
South Korea (up 41.3%), India (up 23.9%) and Japan (up 4.3%) also grew strongly, contributing an additional 2,664 visitors between them during November.
Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler said the continued growth from Asia had outweighed the 13.6% drop in arrivals from the UK during November.
The UK contributed 21,175 visitors in November this year, compared to 24,518 in November 2009.
Australian arrival numbers for November remained consistent with last year, and US arrivals rose two percent in November over the same period last year.
Bowler said further growth was expected in Asia with new air links opening in 2011, including a new China Airlines route linking Taipei to Auckland and a Jetstar service from Singapore to Auckland.
Earlier this month, Thai Airways announced plans to increase flights on its Bangkok to Auckland route, from five per week to seven in July 2011.
Other new routes opening next year include an AirAsia X direct service between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch, and a China Southern Airlines service from Guangzhou to Auckland.
Ian Jarrett
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