Tourist arrivals in NZ jump 23pc

By SIMON HENDERY

Cheaper transtasman airfares and a renewed enthusiasm for travel from previously Sars-affected countries led to a surge in tourist arrivals into New Zealand last month.

The number of people arriving here on short-term visits jumped 23 per cent compared with the same month last year, from 150,416 to 184,379.

That was the largest month-on-month increase in 12 years, and the best April on record.

The transtasman air wars sparked an even more impressive increase in the number of visitors from Australia.

There were 77,931 short-term arrivals from Australia last month, up 28.7 per cent on the 60,544 who arrived during the same month last year.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton described the growth as phenomenal.

"We've had air capacity increases, international awards and a deluge of media coverage offshore," he said.

"If we needed any more proof that New Zealand is the hot destination right now this is it."

The jump in arrivals appeared dramatic because at this time last year arrivals were down as a result of the Sars virus, which curtailed the travel plans of thousands.

"Nonetheless compared to 2002 all our major markets are still doing well, with most of the sensitive Asian markets now back, or close to pre-Sars levels," Hickton said.

Japan, one of New Zealand's largest and most lucrative markets for tourists, was also one of the hardest hit by Sars.

It has been the slowest market to recover to pre-Sars levels, but was up 13 per cent last month following a slight increase in March.

"Japan has been tricky for New Zealand since Sars," Hickton said.

"It's traditionally a sensitive market, and other destinations have tried cutting prices to attract Japanese visitors back.

"The New Zealand industry has resisted this urge, so now the Japanese economy is recovering our tourism industry is set to reap some good financial rewards."

Arrivals from the United States, traditionally one of New Zealand's largest inbound markets, were up 17.4 per cent in April.

This was a turnaround from the start of the year.

The number of Americans coming to New Zealand in the first quarter had been flat, with economic and political pressures, and the strong New Zealand dollar, keeping them at home.