New Zealand’s Southland has recorded a surge in tourism with the number of guest nights in the region going up by more than 4 percent. According to the figures released by Venture Southland, tourists stayed a total of 402,894 nights in Southland in the year, measured until October 2015 with a 4.4 percent jump compared to 2014.

During the same period, the guest nights grew 13.8 percent to 534,080 in Fiordland. According to Venture Southland tourism team leader Warrick Low, the figures were compiled by Statistics New Zealand and Commercial Accommodation Monitor, and amply reflected the impact made by the visit of international stars Prince Harry and Joseph Parker to Southland in 2015, reports Stuff.Co.Nz

Visitor expenditure figures till the end of March showed tourists generated NZ$460 million (AU$431 million) over 12 months and had an increase of 18.25 percent.

“The Joseph Parker was huge because that's an associated element in terms of international exposure, that was the biggest one,” Low said.

Growth drivers

According to Tourism industry associations, the main drivers of growth are the newly established restaurants, museums and other attractions even though hotels are a bit packed out. According to Destination Fiordland tourism manager Philippa Murrell, Milford-Sound, Doubtful Sound and Lake Manapouri are great attractions of immense natural beauty and are keeping many visitors on a repeat mode.

For international visitors, the average growth in guest nights at Southland was 4.8 percent, while the domestic figures were up by 4.3 percent.

“We've got to be realistic, the industry and Southland's reputation is very buoyant. We've been blessed for being a unique part of the South Island. Stewart Island with Prince Harry has been very positive, and we're a very positive thinking region,” Low said.

The new data also showed that Queenstown guest nights have grown 12.2 percent, while Mackenzie, Nelson-Tasman and Wellington too joined the growth race.

Data of growth

  • Southland: 17,727 guest nights (up by 4.4 per cent)
  • Fiordland: 73,703 guest nights (up 13.8 per cent)
  • Queenstown: 25,000 guest nights (up12.2 per cent)
  • Nelson-Tasman: 9000 guest nights (up 11.8 per cent)
  • Auckland: down 7000 guest nights (up 1.1 per cent)

International visitor spending

  • China: up by 78 percent
  • US: up by 55 percent)
  • UK up by 43 percent)

Air China direct service

Meanwhile, the national carriers of New Zealand and China re-opened direct air links connecting Beijing and Auckland from Dec 10, reports ECNS.

Air China's first daily direct A330-200 service between the two cities was received by New Zealand Associate Tourism Minister Paula Bennett and a host of dignitaries at Auckland International Airport.

The resumption of service comes on the back of the alliance between Air China and Air New Zealand agreement during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to New Zealand in November 2014. Air New Zealand will continue to operate the daily B787-9 Dreamliner services between Auckland and Shanghai.

For feedback/comments, contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES