Late 2011 surge brings record tourist numbers

New Zealand tourism operators should have 2.6 million reasons to be cheerful.

Last year ended with the full-year number of international visitors at that figure for the first time.

A record number of overseas visitors arrived in December, so the year ended in growth. It was the first year visitor arrivals topped 2.6 million.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said in a statement the figures signalled "a good start to the summer".

Arrivals for the month were 364,165, up 5.4% on the corresponding period the previous year.

Holiday arrivals were up 2100 and arrivals for conferences and conventions up 1200, Tourism New Zealand said.

Statistics New Zealand's International Travel and Migration figures showed 2.6 million visitors came to New Zealand in 2011, up 3% on the previous year.

Mr Bowler said although most operators would reflect on 2011 as a tough year, figures showed New Zealand had held its own.

"The highs were really high for some operators, with the Rugby World Cup 2011 providing a needed boost, but the lows, mostly over the first half of the year, were extremely low.

"These figures show just how resilient the sector is, and to end the year in growth is an excellent outcome," Mr Bowler said.

"Over the course of the year, total stay days increased 2.2% to 51.6 million and holiday stay days were only slightly down, -0.9%."

Australian arrivals were up in December by 6.7%, which translated as "significant numbers" in the country's largest market, Mr Bowler said.

United States numbers were also back in growth for the month, at a 2% improvement.

"Growth out of Asia continued in December with Malaysia up 1200 arrivals, or 31.8%.

"China was up 4200 arrivals, or 29.9%, and Singapore was up 1700 arrivals or 26.3%, all continuing with double-digit growth against the same month last year."

Mr Bowler said positive signs were starting to be seen from the Korean market, with total arrivals up 2.7 % and holiday arrivals up 11.8%, after a weak year since the Christchurch earthquake in February.

"As 2012 gets into full swing, we're expecting to see continued strong performances from Australia and most parts of Asia.

"The United States and Europe continue to be challenging markets for New Zealand, but they remain vitally important and high on our marketing priorities."