Aussies no longer consider crossing ditch to New Zealand as taking an international holiday, according to new figures.
A report released by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) found the median stay for Aussies has fallen over the last decade from 11 to nine days.
TIA Chief Executive, Chris Roberts said the decline supports the hypothesis that Aussies now consider New Zealand as a domestic destination.
Crossing the ditch to New Zealand is just like a domestic holiday for Aussies. Image: Jiri Foltyn/Shutterstock
Roberts, doesn’t seem too concerned about the decline, because he sees it as an opportunity for them visit more regularly.
“They may visit multiple times rather than treating it as a once-in-a-lifetime destination to visit.”
Chris Roberts, TIA CEO
The State of the Tourism Industry 2014 report also showed that capacity from Australia has increased by 7.7 percent to 4.8 million seats.
This contributed to New Zealand’s overall capacity growth of 6.3 percent compared to 2013.
Other major growth destinations included South America, which climbed 59.2 percent and the Asia region, which grew by 2.3 percent.
Leaders see growth as an opportunity for NZ tourism.
Overall the tourism industry generated $65 million a day across New Zealand – $37 million in domestic expenditure and $28 million in international spending.
Mr Roberts sees the latest results as an opportunity to continue to momentum of growth.
“The benefits of tourism are immense, spanning social and cultural elements, as well as the economic benefits that sustain jobs in communities around the country, jobs that may not exist without a vibrant visitor industry.”
Chris Roberts, TIA CEO
He said the country now has a strong base to leverage opportunities in the year ahead.
Air New Zealand’s first flights to South America to boost New Zealand tourism.
This includes new flight routes such as Air New Zealand’s first flights to South America, when direct services to Argentina launch in December this year.
There’s also new agreements for extra services between China and Auckland Airport.
