Thursday, November 14, 2024 N ew Zealand’s tourism sector is witnessing a dynamic recovery post-pandemic, marked by an encouraging rise in international visitor spending despite overall arrivals lagging behind pre-COVID numbers. According to Tourism New Zealand CEO Rene de Monchy, while visitor numbers have plateaued at around 83% of 2019 levels, the value generated by these visitors has surged, reaching 100% of pre-pandemic levels for the year ending June 2024. This highlights a shift in focus towards high-value tourism and the evolving preferences of international travelers.
These trends align with Tourism New Zealand’s strategic focus on attracting visitors who contribute positively to the economy and align with the country’s values of sustainability and cultural respect.Strategies for Sustained GrowthTo maintain this momentum, New Zealand’s tourism sector is adopting strategies aimed at ensuring long-term growth and resilience. These include:.