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The West Coast region has emerged as the country’s top performer in tourism recovery, with a 30.6 per cent increase in visitor spending for the year ending December 2023, surpassing the national average of 9.2 per cent, according to the latest Infometrics data.
Total tourism expenditure in the region reached $470 million in 2023, up from $360 million the previous year. The West Coast also saw a 48.5 per cent increase in total guest nights, with visitors staying a total of 1,315,900 nights during the year, compared to 886,200 a year prior.
Development West Coast destination and tourism manager Patrick Dault attributed the results to the strong bounce back return of both domestic and international visitors.
“The high level of confidence from tourism operators and renewed investments on the West Coast are paying off,” Patrick says.
He highlighted contributions from the Scenic Hotel Group, West Coast tourism operators, the Department of Conservation, and Poutini Ngai Tahu, noting the inauguration of significant projects like the Pounamu Pathway Mawhera Pa (Greymouth) and Kawatiri (Westport).
He also praised the collaborative efforts that have bolstered the West Coast’s appeal, including the leadership of Christchurch International Airport, the Highway Collection programme, the new direct flight from San Francisco, and the work of Great Journeys of New Zealand and Air New Zealand bringing people to the region.
“The positive result highlights market share gains in the domestic market and a strong return of international markets.”
INFLITE Group CEO Adam Joyce expressed satisfaction with the solid return of international visitors. “The overall result for the summer season has been well beyond our expectations. INFLIHGT has only positive things to say about what lies ahead for the remaining season and the outlook for summer 2024/25.”
Totally Tourism’s Mark Quickfall also noted the significant impact of the tourism rebound on local businesses and staff morale.
Despite challenges posed by the weather, the return of visitors has “has given the Coast and operators who suffered from closed borders and very few visitors a well-deserved shot in the arm and cash flow to rebuild their businesses.”
