Australian, British and North American tourists are spending more time and money in Rotorua, latest statistics reveal.
For the 13th consecutive month, Rotorua has seen double digit growth in visits by North Americans (US and Canadian visitors), according to Rotorua Attractions and Activities Monitor statistics for November 2015.
Destination Rotorua trade marketing manager Patrick Dault said the declining value of the New Zealand dollar, combined with increased airline competition into New Zealand and the growing attractiveness of the destination, is contributing to international visitors doing and spending more during their visit to Rotorua.
Similarly, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) regional tourism indicators show double digit growth in the value of electronic purchases at Rotorua businesses by Australian, American and British visitors in almost every month over the past two years.
"It's fantastic to see strong demand from the US market even ahead of the new trans-Pacific flights announced last year. Given the loyalty Americans have to their own airlines, we are expecting to see even stronger growth once the direct mainland USA to Auckland services by American Airlines and United commence mid-2016," Mr Dault said.