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India is looking like a potential goldmine for off-peak travel to New Zealand, according to data released by Tourism New Zealand.
“India is an incredibly important source market for New Zealand tourism and represents a significant opportunity for future international arrivals growth, particularly in the off-peak,” says Angela Blair, Tourism New Zealand general manager – international.
75 per cent of people in India who are actively considering visiting New Zealand said they would travel here between March and November (off-peak). This is the third highest consideration of off-peak travel for all of New Zealand’s international markets.
“We are looking forward to taking a delegation of representatives from New Zealand’s tourism industry to engage and do business with buyers and travel sellers in India during Kiwi Link India in July this year,” she says.
“To support Tourism New Zealand’s year-round and off-peak strategy we are aiming to grow year-round arrivals from India, with a focus on festive and holiday breaks including Diwali in October and November, and the Indian summer break between April and June.”
More than 14 million people in India are actively considering a visit to New Zealand, with 64 per cent having New Zealand at the top of their bucket list.
Arrivals are also looking positive: in November 2024 total arrivals from India were at 129 per cent compared to pre-COVID, and holiday arrivals had also fully recovered to 109 per cent.
“Many holiday visitors from India book through a travel agent so it’s important we meet with the travel trade sector in India to grow relationships and ultimately book more holidays to New Zealand.
“We will also be launching more activity throughout the year to help potential Indian visitors fall in love with New Zealand’s landscapes and people,” she says.
Indian holiday visitors spend an average of $5,927 per trip (compared to average spend by all holiday visitors of $5,171) and are most interested in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, adventure activities, unique cultural experiences and warm and friendly people.
