THE tourism industry in New Zealand has weathered the economic downturn well, according to Gregg Anderson general manager Western Long Haul markets for Tourism NewZealand. Arrivals figures for the year ending August 2010 were recorded at 2.51 million arrivals, an increase of 4.3 per cent.
Australia continues to remain the country’s largest inbound market with 1,120,649 arrivals, followed closely by the UK (244,993), US (192,534), China (114,258), Japan (88,631) and Germany (65,016).
For the year ending August 2010, the country recorded 6,843 visitors from the UAE, up by 27 per cent on the previous year. “We are hopeful for continuing growth based on growing capacity via Australia from Middle Eastern carriers in particular,” said Anderson. The positive number from the UAE reflects the country’s continuous association with partners, including Emirates Holidays and Dnata, in promoting New Zealand.
Other traditional markets such as the UK and the US dropped 8.5 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively, however this was countered by strong growth out of emerging markets such as China and India and some the well-established markets such as Australia whose travellers chose to holiday closer to home in 2009.
“We also talk regularly with our colleagues at Tourism Australia on a range of issues. Particularly in markets where there is either a requirement to fly via Australia or where there is a naturally high level of dual destination travel,” said Anderson. “The UAE is one such market and, wherever possible, we attempt to leverage the opportunity to get visitors to continue on to New Zealand.”
New Zealand offers tourism experiences to suit all varieties of traveller. From gentle walks in spectacular untouched scenery to view native wildlife, to high-adrenalin adventures such as jet boating, bungee jumping and skydiving. A high standard of accommodation to suit all budgets is on also available. Many hotels offer interconnecting rooms and halal food is on hand in cities with a growing Arab population such as Auckland and Wellington.
Premium food and beverages and New Zealand’s unique Maori culture are also highlights of any visitor’s experience and often bring tourism experiences to life by sharing the stories and legends that link their histories to the landscapes in which they are produced.
“For sports fans 2011 will be the year New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup. It is the fourth biggest sporting event in the world and, as a nation of rugby lovers, New Zealand will be in festival mode. This is also likely to have a strong appeal to the many ex-pats living in the UAE,” added Anderson.
A consumer website NewZealand.com is currently being overhauled to make it easier for partners to create content. Anderson expects that this will open up avenues for the Arabian travel trade to promote New Zealand to its market.