Fri, 06 Nov 2009 3:51p.m.
Spending by international visitors in New Zealand increased 1.2 percent to $6.1 billion in the year to September 2009, Ministry of Tourism data shows.
"This increase is a good result given the 1.8 percent decline in international arrivals over the period," Ministry of Tourism research manager Bruce Bassett said.
"The past year covers the full duration of the global economic downturn, so to come through that period with a positive spend result is a very credible achievement. It reflects an industry that has responded effectively to the challenges through changing market focus, honing business practices and stimulating demand."
Australians were the number one spenders, up 3.7 percent to $1.7b.
"Other markets performed well due to the overall favourable exchange rates over the year, especially the US market up 6.6 percent to $629 million," Mr Bassett said.
British visitors spent 15.8 percent less than the previous year with $818m, while tourists' expenses from China went up 32.4 percent to $319m.
Mr Bassett said the increase in China's numbers was "due largely to an increase in longer staying education visitors".
However, other Asian markets fell. Japanese expenditure dropped 3.5 percent to $392m, while South Korea was down 19.6 percent with $189m.
NZPA