Tourism New Zealand's latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) data shows that the surge in spending has significantly boosted the economy.

Visitor spending in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone reached $3.2 billion, up 20% from the same period in 2023.

The rise in international tourism follows recent data from the Tourism Satellite Account, confirming the sector’s recovery post-pandemic.

This increase in spending supports export earnings, benefits local businesses, and creates new job opportunities across the country.

Rene de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, commented, “This encouraging trend in spending drives export earnings, but it also contributes to the success of local businesses and communities, and creates employment opportunities. This is a crucial part of supporting a productive and sustainable tourism industry.”

The top three international markets for spending in 2024 were:

• Australia: $3.48 billion (up 2.9%)
• USA: $1.66 billion (up 20.6%)
• China: $1.41 billion (up 146.9%)

International holiday visitors contributed $7.5 billion, a 30% increase from 2023.

Additionally, nearly one-third of these visitors explored four or more regions of the country.

Over the year, the appeal of New Zealand’s landscapes and scenery remained the primary motivator for holidaymakers, with many visitors also engaging with Māori culture.

An impressive 97% of international visitors from October to December 2024 reported that their experience in New Zealand met or exceeded their expectations.

Mr de Monchy is optimistic about the future, stating, “After ending 2024 on a high, I’m confident that the 2025 tourism season will be filled with many more exceptional experiences and memories for visitors to seek out and share with friends and family when they get back home.”

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