Tourism is set to recover from its current slowdown because
of the continuing strength of Australia and a growing Chinese
market, according to new forecasts released by the Ministry
of Business, Innovation and Employment.
New Zealand's tourism sector outlook "Forecasts for
2012-2018" predicts international visitor spending will grow
9% by December 2018, recovering from a sharp slowdown brought
on by the global financial crisis. Visitor numbers are
expected to rise 28% in the same period.
Acting general manager Adrienne Meikle said in a statement
the forecasts pointed to a significant structural shift in
New Zealand's tourism industry.
"Traditional markets like the United Kingdom and United
States will continue to decline in the absence of any active
market intervention, but this will be offset by strong growth
from China and Australia.
"New Zealand will face continuing challenges as a destination
for traditional markets, due to the global financial crisis
and emergence of low-cost European airlines.
"The forecasts provide encouragement for New Zealand's
tourism industry to do more to attract and cater for visitors
from our Asia-Pacific neighbours."
The forecasts predict the average spend per day will remain
steady, but the length of stay will trend downwards because
of shorter trips from Australian and Asian visitors.
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