Tourists' spending still rising in region

Spending in Northland continues to grow, with tourism spend up 6 per cent.

The amount spent by tourists to Northland continues to grow, with the tourism spend for the region estimated to be $941 million for the year to July 2016 - up 6 per cent on the previous 12 months.

The latest Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) show tourist spending continues to rise, a situation welcomed by Northland Inc regional promotions and tourism manager Paul Davis.

MBIE manager of sector trends Peter Ellis said that of the tourism spend in the year to July 2016, international visitors spent $222 million in Northland (up 4 per cent on the year to July 2015) and domestic tourists spent $718m (up 6 per cent).

"When it comes to the monthly expenditure, tourism spend in Northland for the month of July 2016 is up 7 per cent compared with the month of July 2015," Mr Ellis said.

Nelson was the fastest-growing region, rising 11 per cent over the year to $302m.

A new measure, the Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates were MBIE by MBIE in consultation with tourism industry representatives.

"This information will help us plan in the Northland tourism industry in sectors such as accommodation, wining and dining options, developing tourism products and other tourism-related activities such as products we offer to domestic and international tourists," Mr Davis said.

The estimates show domestic tourists spent $50m while international visitors spent $8m in Northland in July, reflecting a need for more shoulder-season attractions for the international market.

"Having the Waitangi Museum and other attractions in the Bay of Islands does help as will other products such as the Hundertwasser and Wairau Maori Art Centre in Whangarei; the Manea Footprints of Kupe in the Hokianga; Waitangi Mountain Bike Park; the Waipoua Forest Tourism project; and the Twin Coast Discovery and the associated Pou Trail projects," Mr Davis said.