Two years ago, 60,000 visitors were forecast. Australia had 65,000 for its Cup tournament in 2003. "This is tremendous news and a real sign of just how big Rugby World Cup 2011 will be for our country," said tournament chief executive Martin Snedden.
"The upsurge in support from overseas fans is a strong sign of confidence in our ability to host the biggest sporting event New Zealand has ever held."
In three months since the last ticketing update, the British and Irish market has leaped, its expected visitor numbers growing 28 per cent, or more than half the total increase at 5500.
One thousand of the extra visitors will come from Australia, which now has a total of 30,000. There are 25,000 expected from Britain and Ireland, and 10,000 from France.
"It's also terrific to see good numbers coming from the Americas, and that USA, Canada and Argentina will be well supported," Mr Snedden said. "Our estimates suggest 10,000 from these countries."